Shaanxi: The death toll from the partial collapse of a highway bridge has increased to 38, with the incident resulting in two dozen vehicles falling into a river, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV on Friday evening.
Additionally, a separate tunnel collapse and landslides in Sichuan province’s southwestern region early Saturday morning have claimed at least two lives.
The bridge on the Danning highway, which collapsed, had been subjected to heavy rainfall before the incident.
CCTV reports that at least 25 cars were submerged in the river, and search teams have been scouring the downstream area for victims. A photograph issued by Xinhua news agency soon after the event depicted a segment of the bridge broken and bent at nearly a right angle into the swift brown waters below.
According to the report, the river, which flows through a mountainous valley, is known for its rough waters.
In the city of Kangding, located in Sichuan province, intense rains triggered flash floods and landslides on Saturday, resulting in the destruction of homes and the death of two individuals, with twelve others reported missing.
Additionally, the collapse of a highway bridge that connects two tunnels has been reported. Rescue operations have identified three missing vehicles, successfully rescued one individual, and are currently searching for five others who are unaccounted for.
This incident has sparked concerns regarding the safety of China’s rapidly constructed road and bridge infrastructure. This follows a similar incident in May in Guangdong province, which resulted in 36 fatalities.
The report also notes that climate change has intensified rainfall, leading to numerous landslides and floods throughout Asia. Specifically, this week in China, Typhoon Gaemi, which had diminished to a tropical storm by the time it reached Hunan province inland, was responsible for 48 deaths.
