Chinese authorities have confirmed that at least 11 people have died following the partial collapse of a highway bridge in Shaanxi province in the northwest of the country. The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Friday, following heavy storms and flooding in the region.

According to the official Xinhua News Agency, five vehicles that fell off the bridge have been recovered. A photo released by Xinhua depicts a section of the bridge snapped and folded down at nearly a 90-degree angle into the rushing brown water below.

Rescue operations are still underway in Zhashui County, where the collapse occurred. Authorities report that approximately 20 cars and 30 people are still missing.

China’s rapid economic expansion over recent decades has resulted in the construction of an extensive network of highways, high-speed railways, and airports. While these developments have fueled further growth, they have also raised concerns about the quality of infrastructure and safety standards. A dramatic decline in economic growth, coupled with poor-quality infrastructure, inadequate safety supervision, and cost-cutting measures by industries, has led to a series of deadly industrial accidents.

The western and southwestern provinces of China are particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides due to their mountainous terrains and powerful rivers. The balance between the natural environment and human activity has been further disturbed by mining, tourism, and rising urbanization.

Shaanxi province is renowned as a historical center of Chinese civilization. It is the birthplace of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, who left behind the famed terracotta army near the capital Xi’an as part of a vast tomb complex. This site attracts massive numbers of visitors each year.

As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing and providing aid to those affected by this tragic event