Canton region tragedy: Cargo ship collision triggers bridge collapse, deaths and disappearances

The ship which led to the bridge pillar's devastation was reportedly sailing without cargo. The disaster occurred at dawn local time (9.30 p.m. Greenwich Time).

The impact of the bridge collapse is heartbreaking. Rescue teams reported two fatalities. Two people were rescued, while three are still missing. A member of the cargo ship's crew also suffered injuries.

Five vehicles plummeted from the bridge after it collapsed, which included four cars and an electric scooter. "Newsweek" reports indicate that two of these vehicles ended up in the water, while the other three landed on the ship's deck.

The public transportation operator reported that a bus was on the bridge at the time of the disaster, although only the driver was inside at that moment. His fate remains uncertain.

The Lixinsha Bridge spans the banks of the Hongqili waterway, which leads to the Pearl River. The water route has had to suspend its operations following the disaster.

Local authorities have reported that the owner of the vessel involved in the bridge collision has been detained. Chinese investigators have initiated an investigation to uncover what could have led to this disaster.

The water routes in the Canton region are known for their heavy traffic. A few years ago, there was a proposal to construct collision barriers around the bridge pillars to prevent such incidents.

source: Newsweek, media outlets in China