At least 19 people died this morning in Guangdong province, in southern China, following the collapse of part of a highway: state media reported. Eighteen vehicles were trapped in the crash, which involved 49 people, of whom 19 died, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
The broadcaster added that the injured were “not life-threatening”. Footage shared on local social media shows flames and smoke billowing from a deep ditch into which the cars crashed. Authorities sent around 500 people to the scene to help with rescue operations, CCTV reported.
According to the broadcaster, these are personnel from departments dealing with public safety, emergency response, firefighting and mine rescue. Local authorities said part of the highway was closed in both directions and ordered motorists to take detours. The causes of the collapse are unknown. In recent weeks, Guangdong province has been hit by a series of violent weather events, from deadly floods to a tornado.
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