Bridge collapse probed

PARIS prosecutor’s office opened an investigation Wednesday into the collapse of a bridge in southern Italy following the death of French nationals, state-run radio France Info reported.

An inquiry into “involuntary homicide and ... injuries” had been launched after the foreign ministry confirmed four French nationals among the dead.

The victims were a group of tourists who had been making their way to Genoa port to catch a ferry to Sardinia, an island to the southwest of Italy.

Residential permits

A NEW regulation will allow residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan to apply for residence permits on the Chinese mainland.

A document issued at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office Thursday said the regulation, to be promulgated by the State Council General Office, will take effect Sept. 1.

Death toll soars

UP to 48 students were killed and 67 others injured in a suicide bomb blast targeting a private educational center in Dasht-e-Barchi locality of Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, the Public Health Ministry said.