Ten people were killed and dozens hospitalized after four boats capsized during a sudden storm on the Wu River in China’s Guizhou province on Sunday. The boats were caught in heavy rain and hail during a popular May Day holiday outing, state media reported Monday.
A total of 84 people were thrown into the river. Seventy were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while four escaped unharmed. One missing person was found dead on Monday, raising the death toll to ten.
Only two of the four boats were carrying passengers; crew from the other vessels reached land safely. Rescue operations involved nearly 500 personnel and continued overnight amid mist and deep waters that complicated rescue efforts.
Authorities confirmed the boats were not overloaded. In response, President Xi Jinping called for enhanced safety protocols at public venues. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to oversee rescue operations on site.
