An empty container ship, which was traveling between Foshan and Guangzhou, provincial capital of Guangdong in southern China, hit the pillar of the Lixinsha Bridge around 5:30 a.m. (local time), according to the Guangzhou maritime affairs bureau.
The collision caused “the rupture of the deck” of the structure and the fall of five vehicles, either into the water or onto the boat below.
Today, the Lixinsha Bridge in Guangzhou was hit by a ship, causing the bridge deck to break.
After preliminary investigation, 4 vehicles and 1 electric motorcycle were involved in the accident, of which 2 vehicles fell into the water and the other 3 fell onto the boat.
So far, 2… pic.twitter.com/0OPHtrfXBC
— China Perspective (@China_Fact) February 22, 2024
At least two people died, one crew member was slightly injured and three remain missing.
Images broadcast by public television CCTV show rescuers in orange overalls crossing a waterway in an inflatable boat towards the damaged bridge.
The Lixinsha Bridge in south China's #Guangzhou City fractured and vehicles plunged into the water on Thursday after a ship collided with the #bridge.
According to the latest report, the incident resulted in two deaths and one injury.
Two individuals were successfully rescued.… pic.twitter.com/5ZsTwP0SXy
— Frontline (@Frontlinestory) February 22, 2024
The Guangzhou Maritime Affairs Bureau said the causes of the accident were "under investigation" and rescue operations were continuing.
According to CCTV, dozens of rescuers were dispatched to the scene, including some who came as reinforcements from the neighboring metropolis of Shenzhen.
There's been an oopsie with a bridge to the south of Guangzhou.
Apparently some cars feel into the water.
Lixinsha Bridge (location pinned in map).
pic.twitter.com/vYuz7lSKuv
— Nine Dragons (@ninedragons1997) February 22, 2024