Authorities said a suspension bridge accident at a scenic spot in northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region left five people dead and 24 injured.

The accident occurred at 6.18pm on Wednesday in Zhaosu County, in northern Xinjiang's Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, when one of the bridge's suspension cables snapped, causing the bridge deck to tilt and the 29 people to fall from the bridge.

Of those injured, 22 sustained minor injuries while two others were seriously hurt.

All of them were sent to local hospitals.

Authorities said none of them are in a life-threatening condition.

The site has been closed.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way. (Xinhua)