Bridge collapse in China – at least 11 dead and dozens missing | World news

Authorities say at least 11 people have been killed and dozens more missing after a highway bridge collapsed in northwest China.

China’s President Xi Jinping has ordered comprehensive rescue measures following the disaster in Shaanxi province, which occurred at around 8:40 p.m. local time on Friday and followed severe storms and floods.

Rescue operations were underway in the province’s Zhashui county on Saturday. About 20 cars and 30 people were still missing, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the state media outlet, five vehicles that had fallen from the bridge were recovered.

The agency released a photo showing that part of the bridge had broken and fallen at a nearly 90-degree angle into the rushing water below.

China’s National Fire and Rescue Administration said it had sent a rescue team with more than 850 rescue workers, 90 vehicles, 20 boats and 41 drones to the scene of the accident.

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In recent decades, Beijing has undertaken a massive economic project, building an extensive network of highways, high-speed trains and airports.

However, a dramatic decline in economic growth, inadequate infrastructure and safety controls, and cost-cutting measures in industry have led to several fatal industrial accidents.

The western and southwestern provinces of China are characterized by mountainous landscapes and rushing rivers and are therefore particularly vulnerable to flooding.