A devastating highway collapse in southern China's Guangdong province has resulted in the loss of 19 lives and left at least 30 individuals hospitalized, according to reports from Chinese state media CCTV.

The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday when a section of the road collapsed between Meizhou city and Dabu county in Guangdong province, trapping at least 18 vehicles, as reported by French news agency AFP.

CCTV revealed that among the trapped vehicles were 49 individuals, all of whom became ensnared in the aftermath of the collapse. Despite the tireless efforts of rescue teams, the cause of the road collapse remains undetermined.

Video footage circulating on social media platforms depicted a harrowing scene, with a car visibly trapped underground emitting smoke. However, the authenticity of the video has yet to be independently verified, CCTV cautioned.

In response to the catastrophe, authorities swiftly mobilized approximately 500 rescue workers to the scene in an urgent effort to extricate those trapped beneath the rubble. As a precautionary measure, both sides of the S12 highway have been closed, with drivers rerouted to alternative routes.

While the rescue operation is ongoing, the toll from this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks posed by infrastructure vulnerabilities. As investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, communities nationwide mourn the loss of those affected by this heartbreaking incident.