Three Chinese workers found dead in flooded highway tunnel

AFP

Three of 14 workers who have been trapped in a flooded highway tunnel for six days so far in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai were found dead, the local government said.

On July 15, water suddenly leaked into the Shijingshan tunnel, which is being built under a reservoir, trapping the workers more than a kilometre from the entrance.

On Monday, rescuers found the two dead workers about 1,060 metres and 1,070 metres from the tunnel's entrance, the Zhuhai government said.

Since then, the body of one other worker has been retrieved.

As of 8:00 am (0000 GMT) on Tuesday, rescuers were 856.1 metres into the tunnel, 303.9 metres from where workers were trapped, Huang Zhihao, mayor of Zhuhai city, said at a news conference.

The vast tunnel was still underwater, although the overall water level has dropped since last week.

The accident was the second in the tunnel since March, when a collapsed wall killed two workers.

The tunnel is part of a major expressway in Zhuhai in Guangdong province, linking the coastal city to a bridge to neighbouring Macau and Hong Kong.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    2:00pm - 5:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

  • Off Script with Chris, Robbie & Sonal

    5:00pm - 7:00pm

    The UAE’s alternative take on news, entertainment and sport. Join Chris, Robbie and Sonal as they cut through the clutter to bring you the news, entertainment and sport stories that actually matter.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.