Bridge Collapse in China Kills 11 Amid Storm Chaos
At least 11 people have died after a highway bridge partially collapsed in Shaanxi province, northwest China. The disaster struck around 8:40pm on Friday following severe storms and flooding in the region.
Vehicles Plunge Into Raging Waters
The official Xinhua News Agency confirmed rescuers recovered five vehicles that fell from the broken bridge. Dramatic photos show the structure snapped and folded almost 90 degrees into the swirling, muddy river below.
Rescue teams in Zhashui County are racing against time. Around 20 cars and 30 people remain missing, sparking fears the death toll could rise.
China’s Infrastructure Struggles Under Pressure
China’s rapid economic boom has built an extensive highway network, high-speed rails and airports. But cracks are showing.
- Concerns grow over poor quality infrastructure and weak safety standards.
- Cost-cutting and lax supervision have led to deadly accidents across industries.
- Mountainous western regions like Shaanxi are prone to flooding and landslides, worsened by mining, tourism and urban expansion.
Shaanxi: Heart of Ancient China Amid Tragedy
Shaanxi is famous as the birthplace of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, and the site of the world-renowned Terracotta Army near the capital, Xi’an. The area draws millions of tourists every year.
With rescue efforts ongoing, the hunt continues to find those still missing and support survivors of this shocking disaster.
