At least 19 individuals lost their lives when a portion of a highway in southern China collapsed early Wednesday, as confirmed by local officials.
The collapse occurred on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou city, Guangdong province, after heavy rain in the area in recent days.
Authorities reported that eighteen cars plunged down a slope following the collapse of a 59-foot (18-meter) section of the expressway.
The incident occurred around 2 am local time. Witnesses recounted hearing a loud noise and observing a large hole forming behind them after passing the section of the road just before it collapsed.
Videos and photos circulated in local media depicted smoke and fire at the scene, with highway rails slanting downward into the flames.
Blackened cars were visible on the slope leading down from the highway. Rescue efforts led to the hospitalization of 30 individuals, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia secretly sentences women’s Rights Activist to 11 years in prison for choice of clothing