The rapid expansion of subway networks in Chinese cities has frequently led to cave-ins and other deadly accidents.
Authorities in southern China say eight people have died and three are missing in a cave-in at a subway line construction site.
The municipal government in Foshan said the collapse occurred at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday and that nine workers had been rescued and were in stable condition.
Foshan is in the industrial heartland of Guangdong province, near the financial hub of Hong Kong.
The collapse occurred in a central area of the city beneath an eight-lane road. An area the size of two basketball courts sunk to a depth of 20 feet, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Water had been entering the site from leaking pipes, which workers attempted to plug but ultimately caused a burst that led to the collapse, CCTV said.
