A suspension bridge in a tourist area of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region collapsed, Xinhua reported.
The incident occurred on August 6 in the city of Ili. One of the suspension cables broke, causing the bridge to tilt and sending people falling into the water. A total of 29 people fell from the bridge, with 5 confirmed dead and 24 injured. Of the injured, 22 are in mild condition and 2 are in serious condition. All are being treated in a local hospital.
Videos shared on social media show the bridge sharply tilted to one side, with people clinging to side ropes and trying to reach the other end. Footage also shows rescuers helping those in the water.
For reference, China is currently experiencing a widespread outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, with over 7,000 cases reported. Authorities are spraying insecticides and deploying drones to combat the spread.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
