(Adnkronos) – At least nine people lost their lives and another 70 were injured yesterday afternoon in the city of Qianxi, in the Chinese province of Guizhou, after strong gusts of wind capsized four tourist boats, throwing 84 people into the water. Rescue efforts are still underway to find one missing person, while about 500 operators – including police, firefighters and medical personnel – have been mobilized, according to the Xinhua news agency. The injured are in stable condition and four passengers were rescued unharmed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered maximum effort for search and rescue operations and for assistance to the injured and the families of the victims. Xi also stressed the need to strengthen security measures in public places and tourist attractions, recalling that in recent times serious accidents with fatal consequences have occurred in various areas of the country.
