On October 5th, at noon, a multiple-vehicle collision and vehicle fire accident occurred in the Tianchengshan Tunnel in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province.
Videos taken by several netizens at the scene showed thick smoke billowing, causing extremely low visibility inside the tunnel. Many residents were forced to abandon their vehicles and escape. A large number of people ran towards the tunnel exit and gathered on both sides of the railing, waiting.
According to a report by the Southern Daily, Mr. Liu, who was at the scene, stated that after entering the tunnel, he saw three cars colliding, but it was “not the most serious accident inside the tunnel.” He later learned that there were vehicles on fire ahead.
Mr. Liu explained, “As I walked halfway into the tunnel, I saw two cars completely burnt, being towed away.”
The report mentioned that on October 5th, attempts to contact the local fire department and highway police were unsuccessful as the calls went unanswered. The cause of the accident and the extent of casualties have not been reported yet.