At least 36 people have died in a highway collapse in southern China. As per reports, part of the S12 highway between Meizhou city and Dabu county collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Quoting state news agency Xinhua, Al Jazeera reported that 30 people have sustained injuries. However, their condition is not life-threatening.
The incident took place at a time when the country began its May holidays. It is one of the busiest times of the year on the roads in China.
State broadcaster CCTV said a stretch of 17.9-metre collapsed. The outlet stated that the impact of persistent heavy rainfall caused the disaster. As per reports, the cumulative rainfall in the area was 22 inches, which is four times the amount it received in 2023.
Around 500 emergency personnel comprising mine rescue experts and firefighters have been pressed into action.