36 Dead, Several Injured in Highway Collapse in Southern China

A tragic incident occurred in Meizhou, southern China, when a 17.9-meter section of a highway collapsed, sending 23 vehicles tumbling down a slope. The collapse resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people and left 30 others injured, according to the Meizhou city government. The incident took place around 2 a.m. on the S12 highway in a mountainous area that had experienced heavy rain in recent days.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a wide hole open up before the highway section gave way. Video and photos from the scene showed smoke, fire, and a pile of blackened cars on the slope below the collapsed road. Rescue workers transported 30 injured individuals to the hospital, with officials stating that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The collapse was caused by a "natural geological disaster" under the impact of persistent heavy rain, according to state media. The ground beneath the highway appeared to have caved in, causing the section of road above it to collapse. The S12 highway was closed in both directions as emergency teams worked to recover vehicles and victims from the site.

Why this matters: The highway collapse in Meizhou is the latest in a series of weather-related disasters to strike the Guangdong province, which have been linked to accelerating climate change. The incident highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events and the need for improved disaster preparedness and response measures.

Over 500 emergency personnel were deployed to the site for the rescue operation, with the provincial government mobilizing specialized forces to search for and rescue victims. Authorities have opened blood donation centers to meet the demand, and medical experts have been dispatched to provide care for the injured. Disaster response and follow-up efforts are ongoing as the region grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident.

Key Takeaways

• Highway collapse in Meizhou, China killed 36.
• Collapse caused by "natural geological disaster" under heavy rain impact.
• Over 500 emergency personnel deployed for rescue operation.
• Incident highlights infrastructure vulnerability to extreme weather events.
• Disaster response and follow-up efforts ongoing in the region.