In pics: Crane collapse at China construction site kills 18

Authorities in southern China say 18 people have been killed and 18 others hospitalized following the collapse of a massive overhead crane at a construction site amid a fierce windstorm.

Authorities in southern China say 18 people have been killed and 18 others hospitalized following the collapse of a massive overhead crane at a construction site amid a fierce windstorm.

Rescuers work at the accident site of a collapsed temporary structure after it was hit by a crane on a construction site in Mayong Township of Dongguan City. (AFP)

The 80-ton crane fell directly onto two-story temporary buildings in the city of Dongguan on Wednesday morning. Of those in hospital, four were listed in serious but stable condition.

Rescuers work at the accident site of a collapsed temporary structure.

A huge crane which collapsed in high winds killed 18 people

Spokesman for the rescue effort Luo Bin was quoted by state media on Thursday as saying that 139 people were in the buildings at the time of the accident, and 88 managed to escape on their own. An investigation had been opened into the accident and 20 million yuan ($3 million) made available by the companies concerned for the recovery and cleanup.

Rescuers and workers who were wounded in a crane collapse accident, receive medical treatment at a hospital in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.