Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
Video Credit: AsiaWire
This video seen more than 30 million times in less than 24 hours shows a bus falling into a giant sinkhole which also swallows commuters before there is a shocking explosion.
At least 15 people are receiving treatment, but 10 others are still missing following the road collapse at 5:36pm local time on 13th January.
The sinkhole formed on main thoroughfare South Street in the city of Xining, capital of Qinghai Province in north-western China, just over 100 feet from Qinghai Red Cross Hospital where the injured are being treated.
The collapsed section of road, measuring 30 feet wide and 65 feet along, was big enough to swallow the almost the entire route 17 bus, which fell into the cavity shortly after arriving at the crowded bus stop, video shows.
The CCTV images show members of the public running for their lives when the road collapses and several victims fall into the ground.
However, a number of brave passers-by – including a young boy – can be seen reaching into the sinkhole to help stranded victims when a secondary collapse happens and more disappear into the hole.
The city’s Emergency Management Office confirmed in a press conference that explosions were seen inside the sinkhole, matching what appeared to be electrical sparks and rising smoke seen in the traffic camera video.
This is thought to be the result of rupturing underground pipes carrying natural gas and hot water, as well as electrical cables supplying the local area.
The office said none of the 15 injured currently receiving treatment was in any life-threatening condition.
The search operation for the missing victims would continue throughout the day today (14th January), the office added.
The cause of the sinkhole has yet to be determined.
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