The official news agency Xinhua reported this on Thursday. The number of confirmed victims is likely to continue to increase: the DNA of three people has not yet been identified.
In the accident in Guangdong province, the road fell down a slope over a length of around 18 meters in the darkness on Wednesday night. At least 23 vehicles crashed. 30 people were taken to hospitals for treatment.
The heavy rains of the past few days may have washed out the road. The cause of the accident has not yet been clarified beyond doubt.
“Complex” conditions
In a press conference by local authorities broadcast online on Thursday, there was talk of “complex” conditions at the accident site. Many vehicles were buried under large amounts of earth.
Cars were also burned out. Due to heavy rain, the ground at the accident site is very soft, making it difficult for large rescue equipment to penetrate the core area. The work continued with hundreds of helpers. Aerial photos showed excavators removing earth from the accident site.
China’s President Xi Jinping gave “important instructions” for rescue and disaster relief following the landslide, Xinhua reported on Thursday. Every effort must be made to save people. Xi also ordered to strengthen surveillance and early warning and improve emergency response plans.
Although Guangdong Province is used to heavy rainfall, it is currently unusually heavy. Many streams in the Pearl River Delta swelled threateningly.
