Bridge Collapses Amid Historic Flooding in China's Guizhou Province
Driver Rescued After Hanging Off Ruined Expressway
June 25, 2025 – Guizhou, China —
Torrential downpours have wreaked havoc in southern China, causing catastrophic floods and the partial collapse of a major bridge on the Xiarong Expressway in Guizhou Province. A lorry driver was rescued miraculously after his lorry became stranded hanging over the side of the collapsed road.
The collapse occurred early on Tuesday morning after more than 48 hours of non-stop monsoon rains, local emergency services said. The event happened in Rongjiang County, an area that has been under orange flood alert, China's second-highest warning level.
Dramatic Rescue on the Brink
The driver, Mr. Zhang, was trapped in his truck, hanging over a steep valley. Rescue teams acted quickly, deploying 89 staff, 23 vehicles, and a heavy-crane vehicle to the location. Zhang was eventually freed after nearly two hours of tense waiting and later told reporters, \"I really thought it was the end.\"
The dramatic rescue has been pictured and filmed, and the images and footage have gone viral, sparking citizens' alarm at the safety of key transport systems during extreme weather.
Southern China Widespread Flooding
The incident is part of a greater southern China flood crisis, encompassing Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces. Villages have been inundated, roads destroyed, and over 10,000 residents forced out. Experts are calling it the worst flood accident in over three decades in some areas.
Government Action and Infrastructure Concerns
The Chinese government has deployed emergency funds and troops to assist evacuations and relief efforts. President Xi Jinping ordered a nationwide inspection of aging infrastructure, particularly along the flood-risk zones.
"Guzhou bridge collapse illustrates the need to adopt resilient engineering measures in the face of rising climate risks," Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng stated.
More Rain Ahead
The China Meteorological Administration also issued a warning that more rain is on its way to the region, with a new tropical storm system developing off the South China Sea. Travel alerts have been issued, and residents are being cautioned to avoid riverbanks and vulnerable roadways.
External Sources for Verification and Additional Updates:
- Horrifying Moment Truck Dangles Over Collapsed Bridge – New York Post
- China Braces for Second Tropical Cyclone in Two Weeks as It Grapples with Floods – Reuters