In a harrowing incident, more than 100 cars were involved in a massive collision on an icy section of an expressway in Suzhou, China, resulting in several injuries, according to reports from Chinese media on Friday. The catastrophic accident underscores the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions affecting transport networks across the region.
Dramatic footage captured by state television CCTV and shared widely on social media depicted the chaotic aftermath of the collision, with vehicles strewn haphazardly along the highway. One particularly striking image showed a car jack-knifed at a severe angle in mid-air, while glass and debris littered the scene.
The collision occurred amidst a spell of cold waves, blizzards, and icy rain that have swept across large parts of China in recent weeks, exacerbating travel disruptions during the peak period of the Lunar New Year holiday rush. Millions of people are currently traversing the country to reunite with family and friends for traditional celebrations.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Chinese government has heightened its emergency response measures for freezing temperatures. Additionally, various response plans have been activated to manage transportation flow, ensure adequate supplies, and maintain electricity provision in affected provinces and cities, including Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Anhui, and Hubei, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The collision serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by winter weather conditions and the critical importance of implementing precautionary measures to safeguard public safety during periods of heightened risk. As authorities continue to respond to the aftermath of the accident, efforts to enhance infrastructure resilience and promote road safety remain paramount in mitigating the impact of adverse weather events on transportation networks and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies
