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Tragic Bridge Collapse in Western China Claims Lives Amid Severe Weather

A tragic bridge collapse in Western China has claimed multiple lives amid severe weather conditions. This devastating incident highlights the risks associated with natural disasters and infrastructure vulnerabilities in the region.

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Tragic Bridge Collapse in Western China

In a devastating incident on Friday night, a highway bridge collapsed in western China due to severe rain, resulting in the loss of at least a dozen lives. This tragic event marks the second major highway disaster in the country within a span of just three months, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding infrastructure safety amid extreme weather conditions.

As of Saturday afternoon, state media reported that 12 bodies had been recovered, while seven vehicles were located at the scene. Unfortunately, 18 vehicles and 31 individuals remain unaccounted for, raising fears for their safety.

A striking photograph released by the official Xinhua news agency reveals the catastrophic impact of the collapse: a section of the bridge, which was designed for one direction of traffic, had folded nearly perpendicular, plunging into the turbulent, muddy waters below. In contrast, the bridge supporting traffic in the opposite direction remarkably remained intact, although the scene was one of chaos and destruction.

The head of the Ministry of Emergency Management, Wang Xiangxi, arrived at the location on Saturday morning to supervise the ongoing rescue efforts. The operation is extensive, involving:

  • 869 rescue personnel
  • 93 vehicles
  • 41 drones
  • 20 boats
  • A sonar system

In response to the tragedy, both Xi Jinping, China’s paramount leader, and Premier Li Qiang, the second-highest official in the country, have called for comprehensive rescue operations. Their directives echo similar instructions issued in the wake of the previous disaster on May 1, which also occurred during adverse weather conditions. That incident resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people when a section of an expressway collapsed due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall.

Following these incidents, President Xi has emphasized the necessity for local governments throughout China to prioritize the identification and management of potential risks associated with infrastructure, particularly in light of increasing extreme weather events.

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