Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

Highway Collapse In China Leaves At Least 24 Dead

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, an aerial photo shows rescuers work at the site of a collapsed road section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, W

Tragedy struck in southern China early Wednesday as a section of a highway collapsed, resulting in at least 24 fatalities. The incident occurred in Meizhou city, Guangdong province, where 18 cars tumbled down a slope after a 58.7-foot long section of the highway gave way around 2 a.m.

Authorities in Meizhou city confirmed the grim news, with the death toll rising to 24 by Wednesday afternoon, as reported by China's official news agency. The region has been grappling with severe weather conditions, including record rains, flooding, and hail over the past few weeks. Some villages in Meizhou had already experienced flooding in early April, with heavy rains persisting in recent days.

18 cars fell down a slope after a 58.7-foot section of the highway collapsed.
Highway collapse in Meizhou city, Guangdong province, caused 24 deaths.
Severe weather, including heavy rains and flooding, contributed to the incident.

Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a loud noise and witnessing a hole several meters wide open up behind them after passing the section of the road that later collapsed. Images and videos circulating in local media depicted smoke and fire at the scene, with highway rails slanting downward into the flames. A cluster of charred vehicles could be seen on the slope leading away from the highway, indicating the severity of the incident.

The ground beneath the highway appeared to have caved in, causing the section of the road to break off. Rescue efforts were promptly initiated, with reports indicating that 30 individuals have been transported to the hospital for medical attention. The aftermath of the collapse has left the community in shock and mourning, underscoring the importance of infrastructure safety and disaster preparedness in the face of natural calamities.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.