Tragedy struck in southeastern China as a 60-foot section of an expressway collapsed, claiming the lives of 36 individuals and injuring 30 others. The aftermath revealed a harrowing scene of destruction, with vehicles scattered at the base of a hill engulfed in flames.
Witnesses recounted hearing a deafening noise as the road crumbled behind them, swallowing cars into the abyss. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Meizhou, disrupting holiday travel as many were en route to Fujian Province.
Rescue efforts mobilized swiftly, with over 500 responders working tirelessly to aid the injured and secure the area. This catastrophe, amidst a series of severe weather events, underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of natural forces.
The region’s challenging terrain has posed recurring threats, with a previous landslide incident prompting temporary road closures. The recent calamity serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of environmental hazards.
As China grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the resilience of its people and the dedication of emergency responders shine through in the face of adversity.
Source: www.nytimes.com