Xi Jinping directs rescue operation, safety overhaul following fatal road collapse in south China

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to rescue and treat those injured after a deadly road collapse in south China's Guangdong Province which has left dozens dead. 

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attached great importance to the incident, instructing that every effort be carried out for on-site rescue, treatment of the injured, and properly handling the aftermath.

Efforts should be made to repair the damaged roads and restore traffic order as soon as possible, Xi said, adding that all regions and relevant departments must adhere to bottom-line thinking, consolidate work responsibilities, strengthen monitoring and early warning, improve emergency plans, promptly investigate and deal with potential risks in key areas and key sectors, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property and the overall social stability.

Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and premier of the State Council, has given instructions to spare no effort in rescuing the injured, carry out follow-up work, do everything possible to search and rescue trapped persons, and strictly guard against secondary risks.

Li emphasized that the ongoing May Day holiday is the peak of tourism prime time, and with widespread rainfall in some areas, the situation necessitates all-out efforts to prevent accidents and disasters.

The Ministry of Emergency Management, the Ministry of Transport and other relevant departments have dispatched working groups to the scene to guide the rescue efforts.

The collapse happened around 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou in Guangdong Province. The collapsed section is 17.9 meters long and covers an area of 184.3 square meters. 

(With input from Xinhua)