At least 24 people are dead and 30 injured after a section of a mountainside highway collapsed in China's southern Guangdong province early Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 2:10 am local time on the Meilong Expressway, following days of heavy rain in the region. A 17.9-meter (58-foot) stretch of the road gave way, sending 20 vehicles plunging down the slope below.

State media initially reported 19 fatalities, but the number has since risen to 24. Thankfully, all 30 injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. However, authorities suspect the recent heavy rainfall may have played a role. Guangdong province was hit by flash floods last week, displacing over 110,000 people and causing significant damage. Wild weather continued over the weekend, with a tornado ravaging Guangzhou, the provincial capital, and hailstones the size of golf balls reported.

Emergency response personnel are on the scene, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the collapse. Footage from the scene shows a large section of the highway missing, with flames and smoke visible from below. Images also reveal a pile of charred and mud-covered vehicles at the bottom of the slope.

This tragedy highlights the dangers of extreme weather events and the importance of infrastructure maintenance. (ILKHA)