Chinese journalists covering the recent collapse of a bridge in central China, which killed at least 41 people, have been harassed while trying to interview grieving families of the deceased.
According to a Chinese-language Web site, China Public Opinion Monitor, that focuses on human rights issues, a group of reporters from five state-run newspapers, including the Communist Party's People's Daily, were attacked by a group of unidentified men earlier this week in Hunan province.
An editor from China's Southern Metropolitan Daily confirmed to VOA Mandarin service that the clash occurred. Local government officials deny that any reporters were beaten.
Monday's collapse of the bridge over the Tuo river in Hunan province has captured nationwide media attention and China's president has promised a swift investigation. It is still unclear why the bridge collapsed.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
