A sudden and severe storm in southwestern China’s Guizhou province on Sunday afternoon led to the capsizing of four boats on the Wu River, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 people and injuries to 70 others.
State media reported that over 80 individuals were thrown into the water when a violent combination of rain and hail struck the vessels near Qianxi City. Rescue operations were immediately launched and continued throughout the night. Initial reports indicated nine fatalities and one missing person. Tragically, state broadcaster CCTV confirmed around noon on Monday that the missing individual had been found deceased.
Distressing video footage shared by state media depicted a man administering CPR to a victim, while one of the capsized boats floated upside down in the river.
While initial reports suggested two tourist vessels were involved, CCTV later clarified that four boats were affected by the storm. Importantly, two of these vessels were not carrying any passengers at the time of the incident. The seven crew members who were on board these empty boats were able to swim to safety.
Eyewitness accounts reported by the state-owned Beijing News indicated that the storm descended rapidly, accompanied by a thick mist that severely reduced visibility on the river. Despite the challenging conditions, some passengers managed to swim to safety. CCTV reported that the boats involved were not overloaded, with each having a maximum capacity of approximately 40 people.
In response to this tragic event, over 500 emergency personnel were deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an “all-out effort” in rescuing survivors and providing care for the injured. He also emphasized the urgent need to strengthen safety measures at tourist attractions and other large public gatherings, particularly in light of a series of recent fatal accidents across the country.
The Wu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, is a popular scenic destination for domestic tourists, especially during national holidays. The incident occurred during the five-day May Day holiday, which saw a significant surge in travel across China.
