At least nine people were killed after a pickup truck carrying 15 passengers plunged into a flooded river in Guangxi, southwestern China, following heavy rainfall that battered the region.
According to reports by Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television, the incident occurred on Saturday when the victims were returning from planting sweet potatoes.
Authorities said the truck attempted to cross a bridge submerged by rising river water before losing control and falling into the river.
The tragedy comes as central and eastern parts of China continue to experience severe weather conditions, with heavy rain lashing provinces including Jiangxi and Hunan over the weekend.
Weather authorities warned that more downpours are expected in the coming days as the storm system gradually moves eastward and southward across the country.
The recent disasters have raised concerns over worsening extreme weather patterns across several parts of China as authorities continue rescue and relief operations.
