On February 22, 2024, a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Guangzhou, southern China, causing five vehicles, including a public bus, to plunge into the river. The incident occurred at 5:30 local time and resulted in two fatalities, one injury, and three individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by state media.
Images from broadcaster CCTV show a fractured section of the bridge with the ship trapped underneath. The vessel, which did not appear to be carrying cargo, caused disruptions in the area, including the suspension of water supply and internet services in some neighborhoods. The ship’s captain has been detained, and residents in the vicinity have been evacuated.
The company owning the ship has pledged to cooperate with the investigation, but the accident has raised concerns about the state of the bridge. In October 2021, provincial authorities had identified the need to reinforce the bridge, including constructing “collision avoidance facilities” at four bridge piers. However, the deadline for these works to be completed was postponed multiple times, most recently to August of the same year.
The incident took place in Nansha, the district known for being the fastest-growing port in southern China, with cargo volumes increasing every year since its opening in 2004.
This tragic event is a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the potential consequences of delays in critical safety upgrades. It also highlights the ever-growing demands placed on China’s bustling seaports and the need for continued investment and development in this crucial sector.
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