At least 21 killed after truck runs into coach on expressway

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At least 21 killed after truck runs into coach on Chinese expressway

PUBLISHED : Friday, 25 September, 2015, 7:19pm
UPDATED : Friday, 25 September, 2015, 7:19pm

Mimi Lau
[email protected]

The bus carrying 35 passengers burst into flames, killing at least 21 and injuring 11. Photo: Sina

At least 21 one people were killed and 11 were injured after an articulated lorry crashed into a coach in southern China on Friday morning, state media Xinhua reported.

The accident occurred on an expressway in Hunan province when the long-distance towing an immensely long trailer lost control careened across the median strip into the path of an oncoming coach carrying 35 passengers.

The lorry and coach bus burst into flames. Xinhua reported that death toll might rise pending DNA tests of the victims.

Photos posted online showed heavy smoke billowing the bus, which was engulfed in flames.

The accident also halted traffic in both directions near the highway’s Yuetang toll gate outside the city of Xiangtan.

The section of expressway where the accident occurred is part of a road network stretching from Shanghai to Yunnan province.

 

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The articulated lorry lost control and crossed the expressway, colliding with the coach. Photo: Sina

The immensely long trailer that was being towed before the accident. Photo: Sina

The charred wrecks of the lorry cab and coach are towed away. Photo: Sina


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