A tragic incident unfolded in southeastern China early Wednesday morning as a nearly 60-foot segment of an expressway collapsed, resulting in the loss of 24 lives and leaving 30 others injured. The collapse, which occurred in a rural area after days of heavy rain, was believed to have been triggered by a landslide under two lanes of the expressway.
Photos released after the incident painted a grim picture of the aftermath, showing a wide scar of mud running down the hillside, leaving a gaping hole in the expressway. Vehicles were seen mangled and charred at the base of the hill, with smoke still rising from the wreckage.
Survivors of the collapse suffered serious injuries, with reports of severe bone fractures and internal organ damage. One witness recounted hearing a loud bang before realizing that the road had crumbled behind him, swallowing up cars that were following closely.
The timing of the incident couldn’t have been worse, as the start of a national holiday in China led to heavy traffic on the expressway. Many of the victims were en route to neighboring Fujian Province when the tragedy struck.
Rescue efforts were swift, with over 500 responders from various departments mobilized to the scene. The expressway was sealed off to traffic in both directions as authorities worked to clear the debris and assist the injured.
The region where the collapse occurred has been experiencing severe weather in recent months, with a continuous influx of humid and warm air leading to multiple orange weather warnings. Just days before the incident, a tornado and hailstorm in Guangzhou claimed five lives, highlighting the volatile weather conditions in the area.
As investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, the community mourns the lives lost and prays for the swift recovery of those injured in this tragic event.
