A highway collapse in China left at least nine people dead and several other injured. The collapse occurred when a truck carrying fireworks exploded.
Nine people died and 13 were injured when a truck carrying fireworks for the Lunar New Year celebrations exploded, causing the elevated highway and the vehicles on it to plummet 100 feet below, the Associated Press reports.
A 240-foot stretch of the major road fell in Mianchi county in the Henan province. The collapse left road debris scattered across the area and at least 25 vehicles were buried. Some vehicles were blasted into the air during the explosion.
Early reports said 26 people died, but that number was reduced to nine. Four of the 13 injured are in serious condition.
A truck driver who was near the scene spoke to CCTV about the incident. His windshield was smashed from the blast.
"I heard a huge bang and immediately braked. I saw small fireballs falling down one by one," the truck drive said, according to AP. "I then heard the sounds of clanking and exploding for five to six minutes," the driver said. "My face was covered in dust."
Photos of the scene show a truck on the border of falling off into the ditch below where the highway fell. Fire crews worked to hose down burning pieces of road, damaged vehicles and other debris.
It is not clear how the truck exploded but it is common for fireworks to be transported at this time for the huge Lunar New Year holiday.
It is also a big time for travel, so travel is expected to be disrupted in the Henan province with the busy highway destroyed.
In 2006, another firework explosion incident in Henan left 36 dead. The fireworks exploded in a storeroom at a temple fair. Dozens of others were hurt. In 2000, another fireworks accident left 33 dead including school children.
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