Friday, February 1, 2013

Communist China fireworks truck blast collapses part of highway. 60,000-BBC

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2/1/13, "China fireworks truck blast causes deadly road collapse," BBC

"A truck carrying fireworks has exploded on an elevated highway in central China, killing at least five people and causing part of the road to collapse, state media report.

The blast, which destroyed an 80m (262ft) section of road, took place on the G30 expressway in Henan province.

China National Radio had put the number of dead at 26 but the report appeared to have been removed from websites. 

Several vehicles were reported to have fallen to the ground 30m below....

"Official statistics show that in 2011, more than 60,000 people were killed on roads in China. The deaths are often blamed on inadequate training, poor quality vehicles or on drivers ignoring safety instructions.

Earlier this month, China halted plans to introduce tougher penalties for traffic offences, following a public outcry.

The rules imposed penalty points for motorists who drove through amber traffic lights, with a driving ban after two offences, as well as increasing penalties for speeding, drinking and driving and using a mobile phone while behind the wheel.

But there were widespread complaints that drivers stopping abruptly at lights were ultimately causing more accidents.

The government said it was reconsidering its traffic policies."

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