In the early hours of Wednesday, a devastating event unfolded in southern China when a significant section of highway in Meizhou city collapsed, leading to a tragic loss of life. The collapse, which stretched a whopping 17.9 meters, caused 18 cars to plummet down a slope, resulting in the death of at least 24 individuals, as confirmed by state media reports.
Authorities in Meizhou city, located in Guangdong province, shared details of the incident, which occurred around 2 a.m. The region had been grappling with extreme weather conditions, including record rainfall and flooding, along with hailstorms. The unfortunate collapse was a grim consequence of these natural disasters, with some areas experiencing flooding earlier in April, and heavy rains persisting in the days leading to this tragic event.
Witnesses who were present at the scene recounted hearing a loud noise and witnessing a hole opening up just behind them after passing the section of highway that later collapsed. Images and videos captured the aftermath, showing smoke and flames engulfing the area, with the highway rails slanting downward towards the fire, alongside a collection of burned vehicles on the slope below. The ground beneath the highway had crumbled, leading to the detachment of the section of the road that plunged down the slope, transforming the scene into a harrowing tragedy. Rescue efforts were swiftly initiated, with reports indicating that 30 individuals were taken to the hospital by dedicated rescue workers following the catastrophic collapse.