10 dead, dozens hurt after boats capsize in China, reports state media


A file image of a tourist boat sailing on the Liuchong River in Qianxi city, in China’s south-western Guizhou province. -- PHOTO: CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

BEIJING (AFP): Ten people have died and 70 were hospitalised after strong winds caused boats carrying tourists to capsize at a scenic spot in southwestern China, state media said Monday.

The passenger boats overturned Sunday afternoon on a river in Qianxi city, Guizhou province, state broadcaster CCTV said, sending 84 people into waters.

As of Monday afternoon 10 were dead, 70 have been hospitalised and four were unharmed, state media said.

The last person reported missing earlier in the morning was found by rescue personnel around noon, but "showed no signs of life", CCTV added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged "all-out efforts" in the search and rescue operations and treatment of those injured, state news agency Xinhua said.

Xi also "underscored the importance of strengthening safety measures in tourist attractions" and other large public venues, the agency said.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to the scene to oversee the rescue efforts, state media added.

An investigation has found the boats were not overloaded with passengers, CCTV said.

Sunday's incident comes just over two months after 11 people were killed in a boat collision in central China.

The accident in Hunan province occurred when a passenger boat struck an industrial vessel, throwing 19 people overboard. - AFP

 

 

 

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Wong seeks to boost China ties
Flying into regulatory turbulence
Mission to protect Thais from fraud
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
Haj pilgrims’ flight diverted over bomb threat
Restaurants and food firms switching to noodles
Thai PM rejects calls to step down over border row
US bombing of Iran started with a fake-out
Bitcoin falls 4% to $99,237
Sarawak holds potential as Malaysia, Asean energy hub, says PM Anwar

Others Also Read