Tragic Guangzhou bridge collapse: Container ship error leads to fatalities and injuries

The container ship, named Lianghui 688, was navigating a river between the cities of Foshan and Guangzhou located in southern China. As cited by AFP, the state broadcaster CCTV reported that on Thursday, February 22nd, at around 9:30 PM Greenwich Time, the ship struck the Lixinsha bridge in Guangzhou.

The impact of the large container ship on the bridge led to a part of the bridge collapsing. Vehicles that were on the roadway on the bridge at the time fell into the river or landed on the ship below.

Chinese media initially reported two fatalities and three missing persons. The latest information from Guangzhou authorities indicates the other three individuals have also been found. Regrettably, they showed no signs of life. Furthermore, several people, including a crew member from the ship, were injured and taken to hospitals. Their condition is reported as stable.

The victims include a scooter rider, three individuals who were traveling in small delivery vehicles, and a bus driver who, thankfully, had no passengers at the time of the accident.

The situation that occurred in China is deeply shocking. According to local media reports, the container ship was lodged at an oblique angle between two bridge pillars, trapped under debris from the demolished structure for many hours. The collision was most likely the result of the ship crew's incorrect actions.

The owner of the ship has been taken into custody. An investigation to ascertain the precise details of the event will soon be underway.

Source: AFP