President Xi Jinping Calls for Urgent Rescue After Shaanxi Bridge Collapse

President Xi Jinping has called for urgent rescue operations following a highway bridge collapse in Shaanxi province, northwest China, which killed 11 people. The collapse, caused by a flash flood, led to vehicles plunging into a river. A substantial rescue team has been dispatched to the site.

President Xi Jinping has called for immediate and extensive rescue efforts following a highway bridge collapse on Friday in Shaanxi province, northwest China, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people, as reported by state media on Saturday.

The collapse occurred at 8:40 p.m. (1240 GMT) in Shangluo city and was triggered by a flash flood, which caused several vehicles to fall into the river below. As of 10 a.m. on Saturday, it was confirmed that five vehicles had submerged in the water and 30 people were reported missing, according to state media reports.

In addressing the crisis, Xi emphasized that China is currently in a critical period for flood control and stressed the necessity for local governments to take responsibility by enhancing monitoring and providing early warnings. Following the collapse, China's national fire and rescue authority dispatched a substantial rescue team to the site, including 859 personnel, 90 vehicles, 20 boats, and 41 drones.