At least 19 people died in southern China’s Guangdong province when part of a highway collapsed between Meizhou city and Dabu county. The incident occurred around 2.10am local time, trapping 18 vehicles and involving a total of 49 people. As of 11.45 am, 19 people were confirmed dead and 30 were receiving emergency care in the hospital, with their lives not immediately at risk but with unspecified injuries. Footage shared on social media showed a pile of wrecked vehicles in a deep muddy pit, with flames showing before dawn.
Authorities dispatched around 500 people to help with the rescue operation, drawn from departments handling public security, emergency response, firefighting, and mining rescue. Part of the S12 highway was closed in both directions, and drivers were ordered to take detours. The cause of the road collapse has not yet been specified, but it is the latest in a series of deadly disasters to hit Guangdong in recent weeks. The province has experienced heavy rains causing deadly floods and a tornado that killed five people in Guangzhou.
China’s massive highway network covers rough terrain and extreme climates, leading to a high risk of accidents. Road safety controls are often lacking in the country, resulting in frequent accidents. In March, 14 people were killed in a bus accident in a tunnel in Shanxi province, and 37 others were injured. Sixteen people died in a vehicle pile-up in Hunan province in February, and 19 died in an accident in Jiangxi province the previous month. The incident in Guangdong is the latest in a series of tragic incidents that highlight the dangers of the country’s road network.
Authorities are working to determine the cause of the highway collapse in Guangdong and to assist those affected by the disaster. The rescue operation involves multiple agencies working together to provide emergency care and support to the victims. The closure of part of the highway and detours for drivers are meant to ensure safety in the area while the investigation continues. The string of disasters in Guangdong underscores the challenges faced by residents and authorities in dealing with natural disasters and other emergencies in the region.
Efforts to improve road safety and emergency response procedures are crucial in preventing future disasters like the one in Guangdong. The incidents in recent months have highlighted the need for stricter safety controls and better infrastructure maintenance to reduce the risk of accidents on China’s highways. As the country continues to develop its transportation network, it will be essential to prioritize safety and preparedness to avoid further tragedies. The tragedy in Guangdong serves as a somber reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure and disaster preparedness to protect the lives and well-being of the public.
