JAKARTA - AT least 10 people were killed in Indonesia's East Java when a bridge was swept away by swelling flood waters on Wednesday, police said.

Andi Hartoyo, chief of police at Madiun district, told ElShinta radio that at least 10 people were dragged away by strong currents when the bridge collapsed suddenly after floods caused by torrential rains hit the district.

'Based on several witnesses, at least 10 people were swept away by strong currents as they were standing on the bridge when it collapsed,' he said.

'Local officials have been working on collecting data about missing people.'

'We cannot start the search (for bodies or survivors) as the current is very strong now,' Mr Hartoyo added.

The accident occurred following floods and landslides in Central Java that have left scores missing.

Indonesia is prone to deadly floods and landslides during the monsoon, with rampant deforestation often contributing to the extent of damage. -- AFP