COLLAPSED. An aerial photo shows rescuers working at the site of a collapsed road section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, south China’s Guangdong Province on Wednesday (May 1, 2024). At least 48 people died in the accident. (Xinhua)
GUANGZHOU – At least 48 people died after a portion of an expressway collapsed in south China's Guangdong Province early Wednesday morning.
Thirty others were hurt and are receiving hospital treatment, according to authorities of Meizhou City.
The collapse happened around 2:10 a.m. on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou.
The collapsed section measures 17.9 meters in length and covers an area of 184.3 square meters, officials said.
Aerial photos show one side of the expressway had caved in, causing vehicles to roll down a slope.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched more than 500 personnel from local emergency response, mine rescue teams, and fire brigade to help in the on-site rescue work.
The ministry said that safety risks are relatively high on transportation, at tourist attractions, and in densely populated areas during the May Day holiday, as the number of people traveling has increased. (Xinhua)
