During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, a section of highway collapsed in southern China. At least 48 people lost their lives, according to a provisional report.
The collapse of a section of highway in China, in the province of Guangdong (south), took motorists by surprise on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. “The collapse of the highway caused the deaths of 48 people,” declared the China News agency after a press conference organized by the city of Meizhou.
Images posted on social networks show the gaping hole formed on the highway but also the cars fallen below, among the flames and smoke.
According to information from the Associated Press, the road collapsed 17.9 meters at around 2 a.m. between Meizhou city and Dabu county. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise and said they saw the hole forming just after their own passage on the highway.
500 people mobilized
Part of the S12 motorway was closed in both directions and 500 people were mobilized to help with the rescue efforts. According to television channel CCTV, they belong to the services responsible for public security, emergency response, firefighting and mine rescue. Dozens of emergency vehicles and cranes gathered at the scene of the disaster.
CCTV speaks of a “natural geological disaster” linked to the downpours which have hit the region in recent weeks, causing serious flooding and landslides. Guangdong province has been hit by several violent weather events in recent weeks, including a tornado.