Hong Kong — As severe cold and snow continue to impede traffic across China, official media claimed on Friday that over 100 automobiles collided on an ice bridge in the Chinese city of Suzhou, hurting many people.
Social media footage of the collision showed a range of vehicles involved, one of which was pointed upward, on a road where melting ice was clearly apparent.
The collision occurred as the sun was rising on Thursday at 7
a.m. local time (6 p.m. ET on Wednesday), according to the Suzhou Industrial Park traffic police on their official WeChat account.
Authorities stated in a statement that the road had been reopened and an investigation was in progress. Three persons were hospitalized for their injuries, while six others were in less critical condition.
Additionally, local law enforcement cautioned the public of slick roadways.
Many cold snaps, freezing rain, and heavy snowfall have been plaguing southern and central China. This has caused transportation problems during the country’s most significant holiday, the Lunar New Year, when millions of people fly home.
According to the state-run People’s Daily, the Chinese government said on Wednesday that it was speeding up rescue operations and deploying “all forces” in the area to be ready for any unexpected and hazardous catastrophes brought on by the cold weather.
In most cities in the center and south, the China Meteorological Administration also issued warnings for “icy roads.”
Marble-sized hailstones occurred earlier this week in several parts of Zhejiang province, according to a report released on Thursday by state-run China National Radio, which cited the local meteorological service.
More news: nbcnews
