Over thirty people are missing and eleven people have died as a result of a bridge collapse in northern China brought on by intense rains, official media said on Saturday.
At approximately 8:40 p.m. on Friday, 1240 GMT, the bridge spanning a river in Shangluo, Shaanxi province, gave way “due to a sudden downpour and flash floods,” according to state news agency Xinhua, which cited the provincial public relations department.
After the highway bridge crumbled into the river below, around 20 automobiles and over 30 individuals were reported missing by state broadcaster CCTV.
Photos that appeared on state television showed the river surging over a portion of the bridge that was half submerged.
After approaching the bridge, a witness told local media that other drivers began “yelling at me to brake and stop the car.”
The witness, Meng, stated, “A truck in front of me didn’t stop” and plunged into the water’s depth.
According to CCTV, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to locate those who are still missing.
Since Tuesday, heavy rains have pounded large parts of northern and central China, resulting in flooding and serious damage.
On Friday, the rains caused flooding and mudslides in Baoji city, Shaanxi, leaving at least five people dead and eight missing, according to state media.
Images of entirely flooded neighborhoods by muddy waters were shown on state television, with inhabitants and excavators working to clean up the damage.
