NANJING - Eleven students were injured as children rushed down a staircase at a primary school in East China's Jiangsu province on Tuesday afternoon, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident happened at Qipan Primary School in Xinyi city at about 3:30 pm when the students went downstairs after class, according to the municipal government.

One girl suddenly fell as she descended the stairs and a crowd of students tumbled down the stairs as a result. Three were seriously injured due to traumatic asphyxia and another 8 sustained minor injuries, according to the government.

The injured students are all in stable condition and are receiving treatment in local hospitals.