Bridge in China partially collapses after accident

A cargo ship rammed a bridge in southern China. The structure partially collapsed and several vehicles fell into the water. At least two people died.

Pictures show a large hole in the traffic bridge near the megacity of Guangzhou. Below – wedged between two pillars – an apparently empty container ship. Early in the morning it hit a pillar while passing through the Pearl River Delta and damaged the bridge. Why is not yet known.

The captain is said to have been taken into custody. The case is under investigation, authorities said. State media reported that several vehicles fell into the water, including a bus with a driver. Rescue and rescue workers are on duty.

Apparently the bridge should be better protected

The bridge is closed to traffic and ships are being diverted. According to reports, the bridge should have been equipped with anti-collision protection for ships years ago – but the measures have been postponed several times.

With almost 130 million inhabitants, Guangdong is the most populous part of China – and the strongest economically with a lot of industry. Much of the People’s Republic’s trade passes through the Pearl River Delta, which also borders the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.