At least 12 dead and 31 missing after highway bridge in China collapses

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a collapsed bridge is seen in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Saturday, July 20, 2024. Chinese authorities say several people have died in the partial collapse of a highway bridge in the northwest following heavy storms and flooding. (Xinhua via AP)
A collapsed bridge in Shangluo City, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Credit: AP

At least 12 people have died following the partial collapse of a highway bridge in northwestern China following heavy storms and flooding. Five vehicles that fell off the bridge have been recovered after the structure in Shaanxi province crumbled at around 8:40pm on Friday, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

A photo released by the agency showed a section of the bridge snapped and folded down at almost a 90-degree angle into the rushing brown water below. Rescue operations were still underway on Saturday in the province's Zhashui county, with some 20 cars and 31 people still missing, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

As of 12pm local time (5am UK time) on Saturday, search and rescue operations were ongoing after 17 cars and 8 trucks fell into the river, state media reported. Only one person has been rescued so far.

Rescuers search for survivors along the river. Credit: AP

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out rescue efforts Saturday and said the country is in a critical period for flood control, urging local government to take action, Reuters reported, citing local media. Parts of China have been grappling with devastating floods, just weeks after scarce rainfall and sweltering temperatures created drought conditions. In neighbouring Henan province, more than 100,000 people across the province have been evacuated from their homes as a result of flooding, according to state media. In the southwestern Sichuan province, more than 30 people are also missing after flash floods hit a village in Hanyuan County early Saturday, CCTV reported citing the local emergency management agency.

President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out rescue effort. Credit: AP

As its economy boomed over recent decades, China built a huge network of highways, high-speed railways and airports, most of which have helped fuel further growth. However, a dramatic decline in that economic expansion, the poor-quality infrastructure, poor safety supervision and a desire to cut corners by industries looking to save money have led to a steady stream of deadly industrial accidents. China's western and southwestern provinces are particularly prone to flooding and landslides due to their mountainous landscapes and the powerful rivers that run through them.

Mining, tourism and rising urbanization have also disturbed a precarious balance with the natural environment that had been sustained over thousands of years.

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