Highway Bridge Tragedy Sparks Safety Concerns in China

The death toll from the collapse of a highway bridge in Shaanxi province has risen to 38, with 24 people still missing. The disaster, which occurred two weeks ago, has raised questions about the safety of China's infrastructure. Heavy rains and climate change are also significant factors.

The death toll from the partial collapse of a highway bridge in northwestern Shaanxi province has increased to 38, two weeks after the tragic incident left two dozen vehicles plunging into a rushing river, according to China's state broadcaster, CCTV.

The report noted that 24 people remain missing following the July 19 disaster, from which only one individual was rescued. Heavy rains prior to the collapse are cited as a contributing factor. CCTV reported that rescue teams have been searching extensively downstream for victims after at least 25 cars fell into the river. A photo from Xinhua news agency showed the bridge snapped and folded at an almost 90-degree angle into the rushing water.

The turbulent waters of the river, which flows through a mountain valley, have complicated search efforts. This collapse has raised concerns about the safety of China's rapidly built road and bridge infrastructure. A similar bridge collapse in Guangdong province in May resulted in 36 fatalities. Heavy rains intensified by climate change have been causing a series of landslides and floods across Asia. This week alone, Typhoon Gaemi, weakened to a tropical storm, caused 48 deaths in southern China's Hunan province.

(With inputs from agencies.)