At least 12 people have been killed and more than 30 are missing after a bridge collapsed in China’s northern province of Shaanxi, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Incident Overview
The bridge collapsed around 8:40 p.m. on Friday in Zhashui County in Shangluo City due to heavy rains and flash floods, according to the provincial publicity authorities.
Seventeen cars and eight trucks fell into the Jinqian River below the bride during the collapse, according to initial investigations.
Images showing a bridge partially submerged in the river with water rushing over it were revealed by state television CCTV.
According to Xinhua, rescue teams recovered five vehicles on Saturday that held the 12 people found, and according to CCTV, one person has so far been rescued. Over 30 people remain missing,
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue and relief efforts on Saturday, Xinhua said.
What Caused the Collapse?
China has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, with large portions of northern and central China dealing with heavy downpours and subsequent flooding, resulting in significant damage since Tuesday.
On Friday, in Shaanxi’s Baoji city, at least five people died and eight went missing after heavy rain caused flooding and mudding, according to state media.
The heavy rains across the east and south of China are occurring as most of the north experiences successive heat waves.
