A section of the Mei Da Expressway in China collapsed in the early morning of 1st May, sending multiple vehicles plunging down a steep slope and leaving at least 48 people dead and 30 injured.

The collapse occurred at approximately 2:10 am local time on the K11+900m section of the expressway, which is located in a mountainous area of Guangdong province. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, construction defects, and overloading of the road.

Tragedy Strikes During Peak Travel Period

The collapse occurred on the first day of a five-day May Day holiday, a popular travel period in China. Many people were returning home to visit family and friends, and the expressway was heavily congested. This, combined with the fact that many cars were carrying multiple passengers, likely contributed to the high death toll.

Rescue Efforts Hampered by Unstable Conditions

Rescue efforts were hampered by the unstable condition of the collapsed section of the road, but emergency workers were able to extricate all of the victims from the wreckage. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Calls for Investigation and Stricter Safety Regulations

The collapse has had a significant impact on traffic in the area, and it is expected to take several weeks to repair the damage.

In the aftermath of the collapse, there have been calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and for stricter safety regulations for highway construction and maintenance.