The death toll has tragically climbed to 48 following a partial collapse of a highway in China's southern Guangdong province, with more than 30 individuals sustaining injuries in the incident. Chinese state media outlet Global Times confirmed these distressing developments in a report released on Thursday.

The catastrophic collapse, spanning a 17.9-meter (58.7-foot) section of the highway linking Guangdong's Meizhou city and Dabu County, occurred after days of relentless heavy rainfall, as per local reports.

Initial reports from Chinese state media indicated 19 fatalities, but local authorities later revised the toll upwards to 48, underscoring the severity of the disaster. The collapse ensnared at least 20 vehicles, trapping occupants beneath the debris. Fortunately, over 30 individuals were successfully rescued from the wreckage and transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Heartbreaking images circulating in the media depict the aftermath of the catastrophe, with vehicles strewn in a deep chasm along the ravaged highway. Rescue operations are underway as teams work tirelessly to extricate the affected cars from the debris.

In response to the calamity, local authorities swiftly shuttered the affected highway, initiating an immediate closure to prevent further tragedies. This incident comes on the heels of severe flooding experienced in Guangdong province just last month, which forced the evacuation of millions of residents as torrential rains wreaked havoc across the region.

As investigations into the cause of the highway collapse continue, the resilient spirit of the affected communities remains steadfast amid the somber aftermath of this devastating event.

 

 

 

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