Five killed as cargo ship rams into bridge in China (Lead)

Five people were tragically killed in a cargo ship bridge collapse in China’s Guangdong province. The victims included a bus driver, motorbike rider, and three people in vehicles that fell into the river after the ship struck the Lixinsha Bridge in Nansha District around 5.30 a.m.

The accident involved five vehicles, including a motorbike, with two vehicles plunging into the river and the others falling onto the vessel. Three additional individuals sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The preliminary investigation pointed to the container ship hitting the pier of the bridge, leading to the collapse of a portion of the structure. The injured individuals suffered bone fractures and soft tissue contusions but are reported to be in stable condition at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University.

The incident highlights the importance of maritime safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent such accidents. Authorities are likely to launch a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision and take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The local community is left in shock and mourning as the tragic incident has claimed the lives of five individuals.