Eleven people were confirmed dead on Monday morning after the roof of a gymnasium collapsed Sunday at No. 34 Middle School in Qiqihar, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province. Photo: VCG

Rescuers search the debris of the collapsed gym. The city’s fire rescue service was alerted to the incident at 2:56 p.m. Sunday. The rescue team confirmed that 19 people were in the gym when the collapse occurred, of which four escaped and 15 were trapped. Photo: VCG

Rescuers carry out a trapped victim at the site. The team found the last trapped victim, who showed no signs of life, around 10 a.m. Monday. Photo: Courtesy of China Fire and Rescue Force

The rescue work continued through Sunday night. Six victims died despite receiving medical treatment. Photo: VCG

Rescuers search for trapped victims at the site. A girl's volleyball team was training inside when the collapse occurred, according to local media reports. Photo: Xinhua

Cranes were used for the search and rescue at the site. Photo: Xinhua

An emergency vehicle stands by in front of the gym. A preliminary investigation found that a construction crew had illegally placed perlite, a porous water-absorbing substance, on the roof of the gym while working on a neighboring building, state media reported. The area was hit by heavy rain, causing the perlite to absorb water and grow heavier, leading to the collapse. Photo: Xinhua

An overview of the gym before it collapsed. Four victims sustained injuries during the incident. Individuals responsible for the construction company have been taken into police custody as an in-depth investigation continues. Photo: The Paper