All-out rescue, relief efforts urged after bridge collapse

President Xi Jinping has urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property after the collapse of a highway bridge in Shaanxi province.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the instruction after the bridge, located in Zhashui county in the city of Shangluo, collapsed at around 8:40 pm on Friday due to flash floods caused by heavy rain.

According to a preliminary estimate, 17 cars and eight trucks had fallen into the river. As of 7 pm on Sunday, rescue workers had recovered 15 bodies, China Central Television quoted the National Fire and Rescue Administration as saying. Efforts were underway to locate the remaining missing people, according to the administration.

Xi said in the instruction that the immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing, and minimize casualties. He also called for efforts to assist the families of those affected by the collapse.

Xi emphasized the importance of well-planned rescue efforts and the prevention of secondary disasters.

He said that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, has given instructions to spare no effort in searching for and rescuing the missing people, investigate the cause promptly, and take measures to prevent secondary disasters.

Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing, who also is a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, has led a working team to the site to guide rescue efforts.

Xinhua contributed to this story.