Thirty-six people have died as a result of a highway collapse in southern China, and rescue crews are still working to remove cars from the area.
"As of May 2 at 5:30am, 36 people had died and 30 people were injured," according to state news agency Xinhua, which also stated that the injured were not in critical condition.
The road collapsed early on Wednesday morning, as China got ready for its big May holidays -- generally one of the busiest times of the year for drivers. The earth beneath the S12 highway between Meizhou City and Dabu County collapsed, sending mud cascading down the steep and forested hillside, according to aerial photographs.
The incident was described as a "natural geological disaster … [that occurred] under the impact of persistent heavy rain” by state broadcaster CCTV. It said a 17.9-meter (58.7-foot) section of the road collapsed, and 23 cars were found in the muddy pit thus far.
Numerous witnesses told the local media that they heard "a huge explosion" after hearing "sounds of cars falling."
About 500 emergency personnel, including firefighters and mine rescue specialists, were dispatched to the scene to assist with the rescue effort, and the highway was closed in both directions. Images from the scene showed a massive crane pulling damaged cars out of the mud while excavators were on standby. Rescuers were conducting searches along with dogs and life-detecting equipment.
A fire department official told Chinese media that the search was made more difficult by the site's shifting gravel and soil, which put the workers in danger, as well as persistent rain.
