A tragic expressway collapse in south China’s Guangdong Province has resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, with emergency operations continuing as authorities work to rescue survivors and investigate the cause.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou. A section of the expressway collapsed, causing 23 vehicles to plunge down a hillside. Local authorities have confirmed that another 30 people are receiving hospital treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the site, and local authorities held a press conference to provide updates on the ongoing situation. Emergency services are working tirelessly to search for any remaining survivors and to secure the area to prevent further incidents.
“The situation is critical, and our teams are doing everything possible to assist those affected,” a spokesperson for the local emergency response unit said during the press conference.
The Meizhou-Dabu Expressway is a vital transportation link in Guangdong Province, and the collapse has raised concerns about infrastructure safety in the region. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Chinese mainland’s government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in infrastructure projects. The tragedy has drawn national attention, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures.
As emergency operations continue, the community in Meizhou and the broader Guangdong Province is coming together to support those affected by the disaster. Further updates are expected as authorities release more information on the incident and the ongoing rescue efforts.
Reference(s):
Live: Press conference on road collapse in south China's Guangdong
cgtn.com
