Truck Driver Rescued After Bridge Collapse in Guizhou
A truck driver was suspended in mid-air following the collapse of a bridge in southern China’s Guizhou province, triggered by a landslide on Tuesday morning.
Disturbing video captured by a passerby shows the driver trapped in his cab, doors ajar, as the truck’s wheels teeter precariously over the edge of the Monkey River bridge.
The vehicle’s hazard lights flashed urgently, while the camera revealed a daunting drop into a fog-covered valley below. “You’re fortunate to be alive – that’s perilous,” the onlooker remarked as the driver shouted for assistance.
Challenges in Communication
The bystander informed the stranded driver, “You’ll need to wait for the fire service. There’s no signal.” The driver responded, expressing frustration, “I called the fire department, but I can’t connect.” The bystander reiterated, “There’s no mobile connectivity; none of us have it.”
Local news reports indicated that the same witness later took initiative to redirect traffic and caution other drivers against proceeding along the road.
Successful Rescue Operation
Guizhou Fire Services confirmed the driver was successfully rescued in a social media update. They reported, “At 7:40 am on June 24, the Houzihe Bridge on the Xiarong Expressway collapsed due to a landslide from continuous heavy rain.”Â
The fire department quickly mobilized 23 vehicles and 89 personnel for the rescue operation, noting that there were no casualties at the scene. Rescue footage captured firefighters surrounding the back of the truck, with one scaling it using a ladder.
Driver’s Escape and Aftermath
The unidentified driver was observed attempting to exit through a window at the back of the cab, carefully maintaining the truck’s weight balance. Subsequently, a rescuer secured him with a thin rope and guided him to safety.
Authorities reported that several unoccupied construction vehicles from nearby villages were discovered in the valley after being swept away by the bridge’s collapse.
Ongoing Flood Risks in Guizhou
Officials noted that multiple rivers had overflowed following an extended period of rain in Guizhou, a province severely impacted by flooding. The annual east Asian summer monsoon is currently at its height, bringing forecasts of additional rainfall.
Meteorologists warned of rising water levels in three rivers in Rongjiang county, anticipating severe flooding that could be the worst in nearly 30 years, urging residents to remain vigilant.
