CHENGDU, CHINA – A highway bridge collapse in western China has left at least 12 people dead and dozens more missing, as the nation grapples with another severe weather-related disaster. The incident occurred late Friday night amid torrential rains, marking the second such calamity in less than three months to strike China’s extensive network of newly constructed expressways.
By early Saturday afternoon, state media reported that search and rescue teams had recovered 12 bodies and seven vehicles from the debris. One individual was successfully rescued, but the fate of 31 people and 18 vehicles remains uncertain as efforts continue.
A photograph released by the official Xinhua news agency depicted the devastating scene: a bridge segment had snapped and collapsed into a turbulent, muddy river below. The bridge, which carried traffic in one direction, was left hanging nearly perpendicular to the water. Meanwhile, the adjacent bridge supporting traffic in the opposite direction remained intact.
The disaster underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in China, which have increasingly tested the resilience of the country’s infrastructure. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the collapse, with initial reports suggesting that the heavy rainfall played a significant role.
This recent incident follows a similar tragedy that occurred less than three months ago, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and more robust infrastructure to withstand the impacts of severe weather.