BEIJING – President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue efforts following the collapse of a highway bridge in Shaanxi province, northwest China, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people, state media reported on Saturday.
The tragic incident occurred at 8:40 p.m. (1240 GMT) on Friday in Shangluo city when a highway bridge gave way due to a flash flood, causing several vehicles to plunge into the river below. By 10 a.m. on Saturday, five vehicles were confirmed to have fallen into the water, and 30 people were reported missing, according to state media reports.
President Xi emphasized that China is currently in a critical period for flood control, and local governments must assume responsibility for enhancing monitoring and early warning systems to prevent such disasters.
In response to the collapse, China’s national fire and rescue authority dispatched a substantial rescue team to the site. The team comprised 859 personnel, 90 vehicles, 20 boats, and 41 drones to aid in the search and rescue operations.
The incident underscores the urgent need for vigilant flood management and infrastructure safety measures, particularly during the flood season.