At least 19 people were killed when a section of highway collapsed in southern China’s Guangdong province. This was reported by world agencies with reference to the Chinese state television CCTV. The 17.9-meter-long section between the towns of Mejchou and Dabu District collapsed around 2 a.m. local time (6:00 p.m. CEST).
After the fall of the bridge, 18 vehicles with a total of 49 people were wedged. Television confirmed that the other 30 people were taken to the hospital by paramedics. She added that their lives are not currently in danger, she did not elaborate on the injuries.
Social media footage from local news media shows flames and smoke coming from a deep, dark pit where the cars likely fell. Other footage shows dozens of people standing on the road watching the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.
Authorities dispatched a rescue team of approximately 500 people to the scene. Among them are firefighters, rescue workers, but also miners. The S12 highway is currently closed, drivers are using detours.
Guangdong province has been hit by a series of extreme weather events in recent weeks, including deadly tornadoes and floods.
