48 people killed in South China highway collapse | World News

The death toll from a tragic highway collapse in southern China’s Guangdong province has risen to 48, local officials confirmed on Thursday. The collapse occurred due to heavy rains, causing a stretch of road on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway to cave in, leading to over 20 vehicles plunging down a steep slope.

Rescue efforts have been complicated by adverse weather conditions and the large number of trapped vehicles. President Xi Jinping has ordered officials to go “all-out” in the rescue work and treatment of the injured. Over 570 people have been dispatched to assist in the operation.

The provincial government has mobilized elite specialized forces to carry out search and rescue operations. Parts of central and eastern Guangdong have experienced unusually heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of geological disasters. The national weather office has forecasted more rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further disasters.

This tragic incident is just one in a series of disasters that have struck Guangdong in recent weeks, with floods and tornadoes causing loss of life and widespread damage. Landslides and other disasters are unfortunately common in China, particularly in mountainous regions.

As the rescue efforts continue and the region braces for more rain, officials are urging caution and careful planning for journeys during the public holiday period. The community is coming together to support those affected by this devastating event, as the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragic accident.