Highway collapse kills 19 in southern China

At least 19 people died overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday in the collapse of a highway in China, in the province of Guangdong (south), state media announced. Eighteen vehicles were “trapped” due to the collapse, public broadcaster CCTV reported, saying the incident “involved 49 people, 19 of whom were confirmed dead”. The lives of those hospitalized are not in danger, CCTV said.

Images posted on social media and reported in local media showed smoke and flames rising from a deep ditch where the cars plunged.

Authorities announced the dispatch of nearly 500 people to help with relief efforts, according to state media. The reason for the collapse has not yet been mentioned. Guangdong province has been hit by a series of violent weather events in recent weeks, ranging from deadly floods to a destructive tornado.