Searchers in central Indonesia said Tuesday the number of people confirmed killed in the collapse of a bridge has climbed to 18, while dozens remain missing and feared dead.

At least 39 people were injured when the 720-meter-long bridge, built to resemble San Francisco's Golden Gate, collapsed Saturday on Borneo island, hurtling dozens of vehicles into the murky Mahakam river.

Many of the missing are believed to be trapped in cars and buses at the bottom of the river.

Rescuers say underwater search efforts were delayed until Tuesday, because of fears that the bridge pilings were unstable and could collapse.