The death toll from a collapsed mountainside highway in China’s Guangdong province has reached 48, as reported by Chinese state-owned media. The incident occurred on May 1, when a section of the highway collapsed, causing vehicles to plummet down a slope.
China’s Emergency Management Ministry has sent a team to assist in the rescue efforts and determine the cause of the collapse. Witnesses described hearing a loud noise before the collapse and saw a hole open up behind them.
Footage shows smoke and fire at the scene, with some vehicles burnt on the slope. While the authorities have not confirmed the cause, some experts believe heavy rainfall in the region may have contributed to the incident.
An engineer mentioned that a lack of monitoring and warning systems may have played a role in the collapse. Investigations are ongoing, with the potential for the death toll to rise to 51. Approximately 30 people have sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Inclement weather in southern China has led to other tragedies, including fatalities from rainstorms and a tornado in Guangzhou.
