Dozens of people were buried in a massive landslide that hit an industrial park in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, causing some buildings to collapse. Authorities said eight people have been pulled to safety so far, while at least another 41 are missing.

The number of casualties was not immediately known. The landslide hit at around 11.30 am local time and swept into the Liuxi Industrial Park northwest of the city.

It buried 22 buildings, reportedly including to workers' dormitories. Images from the scene uploaded on social media showed a damaged building titling on one side surrounded by a wave of mud. Others appeared to have been crashed by impact.

More than 700 rescuers were searching for survivors through debris and soil covering an area of 20,000 square meters. The local fire brigade said it had located eight trapped people and was working to free them.

A resident told the Beijing Youth Daily that the landslide was made of soil dug up during constructions in the area and amassed on the side of a nearby hill. It was raining in Shenzhen as the incident happened.