Expressway Collapse in Guangdong, China
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2023, when a section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China, collapsed. The collapse, which occurred around 2:10 am, resulted in the deaths of 48 individuals.
At the time of reporting, 30 injured people were receiving medical attention, with none in life-threatening condition. The collapsed section measured 17.9 meters in length and covered an area of 184.3 square meters.
Aerial images revealed a portion of the expressway caved in, causing vehicles to tumble down a slope.
In response to the disaster, the Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a team to the scene to oversee rescue efforts. Local authorities were urged to expedite search and rescue operations, provide medical care to the injured, minimize casualties, and determine the cause of the incident.
Over 500 personnel from local emergency response teams, nine rescue teams, and the fire brigade participated in the ongoing rescue operation.
The Ministry highlighted the heightened safety risks during the May Day holiday due to increased travel, particularly in transportation hubs, tourist attractions, and densely populated areas. They pledged to enhance emergency plans, investigate potential hazards, and reinforce safety precautions.