At least 10 people have died and 70 people have been hospitalized after strong winds suddenly capsized four tourist boats on the Luchar State River in Kiem Tay City, Guizhou Province, southwest China. The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 4 and was reported by state media on May 5.
A total of 84 people fell into the water when their boats capsized, according to CCTV Central Television. As of the afternoon of May 5, 10 people have been confirmed dead, 70 people are being treated at the hospital and 4 people are lucky not to be injured.
The last reported missing person was found by rescue forces around noon on May 5, but there were no signs of survival, according to CNA.
General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping called for "comprehensive efforts" to search and rescue, and requested the best medical care for the injured. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening safety measures at tourist destinations and large-scale public areas.
Deputy Prime Minister of China Zhang Quoc Thanh visited the scene to supervise the rescue work. The initial investigation showed that the crashed boats did not carry more passengers than permitted. The main cause was determined to be unusually strong winds in the area.
The incident occurred just over two months after another serious waterway accident in Hunan province, central China, when a passenger boat collided with an industrial ship, killing 11 people and leaving 19 people submerged in water.
The accident in Guizhou this time continues to raise concerns about safety in tourism activities, especially at locations that attract many tourists and have unusual weather factors. The investigation into specific causes and handling of consequences is still continuing.
