Southern China road collapse kills 19 people.
A tragic incident unfolded in southern China’s Guangdong province, where part of a highway collapsed, resulting in the loss of at least 19 lives.
State media reported that the collapse occurred between Meizhou city and Dabu county in the early hours of Wednesday.
Details of the Incident:
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the collapse took place around 2:10 am local time, causing a stretch of the road to cave in.
As a result, 18 vehicles became trapped, involving a total of 49 individuals.
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By mid-morning, 19 fatalities had been confirmed, while 30 others were receiving urgent medical care in hospitals.
Although the broadcaster noted that the hospitalized individuals’ lives were not currently at risk, the severity of their injuries remained unknown.
Images of the Tragedy:
Footage shared on social media by local news outlets depicted flames and smoke rising from the collapsed section of the highway, resembling a deep, dark pit where cars had plummeted.
Additional clips showed bystanders gathered on the roadside, observing the flashing lights of emergency vehicles as they approached the scene.
Rescue Efforts Underway:
Authorities swiftly mobilized approximately 500 personnel to assist with the rescue operation.
These responders, drawn from various departments specializing in public security, emergency response, firefighting, and mining rescue, are working tirelessly to search for survivors and manage the aftermath of the collapse.
Road Closures and Traffic Diversions:
In response to the incident, local authorities issued notices informing the public of road closures along part of the S12 highway in both directions.
As authorities continue to assess the situation and conduct investigations into the cause of the collapse, drivers were instructed to take alternative routes until further notice
Concerns Amid Extreme Weather:
As Southern China road collapse kills 19 people, Guangdong province has recently faced a series of extreme weather events, including fatal floods and a deadly tornado.
While the exact cause of the highway collapse remains unclear, such weather phenomena can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in infrastructure.
