In the early hours of May 1st, a highway in Meizhou, Guangdong province, collapsed, causing a viaduct to break and resulting in a fiery explosion after 18 vehicles plummeted. Reports circulating online indicate serious casualties, with traffic in both directions at the scene disrupted.
According to a report by “Southern Daily” on the 1st, around 2:10 am, an accident involving a road collapse occurred near Kilometer 11+900m on the Meizhou-Dapu expressway heading towards Fujian (approximately 2 kilometers from the exit of the Chayang section).
The accident trapped 18 vehicles and resulted in 31 people being hospitalized. Both directions of the Meizhou-Dapu expressway have been completely closed.
Chinese media have not disclosed the conditions at the collapse site or the extent of injuries among those hospitalized. Videos circulated online show numerous vehicles falling and a fierce blaze engulfing the area.
Informed netizens revealed: “Heard that the highway bridge collapsed.” “The bridge collapsed, and the vehicles fell down… and then there was an explosion.” “They say there’s a huge pit of around four to five meters… all the vehicles behind fell into it.” “The news says 18 vehicles, but it’s actually more than 18.” “Most of the vehicles that exploded were carrying oil.” “Fell in, caught fire, it’s tragic.”
“Serious casualties.” “Someone said their relative’s family of five lost three members.” “How could it be two people in one vehicle, many were families returning home for the holidays… so sad.”