Expressway Collapse in China Kills 36, Injures 30 After Heavy Rains

A section of an expressway in Guangdong province, China collapsed due to heavy rain, causing 23 vehicles to plunge down a steep slope, state media reported on Thursday. The incident resulted in the deaths of 36 people and injuries to 30 others. "The collapse left a large scar on the steep, forested slope," according to witnesses at the scene.

The 17.9-meter long section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway gave way around 2:10 a.m. local time in an area that has been severely affected by heavy rain and hail since late April. The rainfall has triggered dangerous mudslides, flooding, and bridge destruction in the region. Over 56 centimeters (22 inches) of rain had fallen in the area in the past four weeks, more than four times the amount from the previous year.

Rescue efforts were complicated by the ongoing rainfall and the debris at the site. Authorities divided the area into 10 grids and used dogs, life-detecting devices, excavators, and cranes to search for survivors. "The search and rescue efforts were complicated by the ongoing rainfall and the debris at the site," said a local official involved in the operation.

Why this matters: The expressway collapse highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather events and the need for robust infrastructure to withstand such conditions. It also raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of China's rapidly expanding transportation network.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the utmost efforts to save lives and eliminate dangers as the rainy weather continued in the region. Task forces from the central and local governments have been dispatched for the rescue work. "All the injured were taken to the hospital and were reported to be in stable condition," according to the Meizhou city government.

The incident is the latest in a series of deadly disasters to hit Guangdong in recent weeks, as the province has been lashed by heavy rains causing floods in some areas. It also underscores the challenges China faces with its rapidly expanding infrastructure, as flaws in design, construction, and maintenance have led to similar incidents in the past.

Key Takeaways

• Expressway in Guangdong, China collapsed due to heavy rain, killing 36 and injuring 30.
• 17.9-meter section of Meizhou-Dabu Expressway gave way, causing 23 vehicles to plunge down.
• Rescue efforts complicated by ongoing rainfall and debris; all injured in stable condition.
• Collapse highlights challenges of extreme weather and infrastructure maintenance in China.
• Incident latest in series of deadly disasters in Guangdong due to heavy rains and floods.