The disaster involved 18 vehicles and 49 people. Authorities sent around 500 people to the scene to help with rescue operations.
At least 19 people died this morning in Guangdong province, southern China, following the collapse of part of a highway. State media reported it. The disaster involved 18 vehicles and 49 people, of whom 19 died, state-controlled China Central Television (CCTV) reported. The broadcaster added that the injured “are not in danger of dying”. Videos shared on local social networks show flames and smoke rising 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 announced that part of the highway was closed in both directions and ordered motorists to use alternative routes.
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.
