Five people were killed and 24 others injured when a suspension bridge cable snapped in northwestern China’s Xinjiang region, sending tourists plunging from the structure, according to state media.
The accident happened around 6:18 p.m. Wednesday in the Xiata scenic area of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinhua News Agency reported. The popular tourist spot has since been shut down as authorities investigate.
Videos verified by Reuters show the bridge sagging sharply to one side, its cable handrails hanging loose between the tilted walkway and the ground below. Part of the structure dangles over a river, while onlookers rush to help victims. In one clip, a person is placed onto a wooden plank being used as a stretcher; in another, bystanders carry the makeshift stretcher away from the scene.
The Xiata area spans 25 square miles and is known for its mountain passes, valleys, rivers, and historical ruins, drawing visitors from across China.
Beijing has dispatched a central government task force to the site to assist with the investigation and ensure the injured receive treatment, Xinhua said.