BEIJING — A sudden and violent storm capsized four tourist boats on a river in southwest China’s Guizhou province, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more, Chinese state media reported Monday.
The incident occurred late Sunday afternoon when powerful winds, rain, and hail struck the upper reaches of the Wu River — a tributary of the Yangtze — in the Zhenfeng county region, a scenic area popular with tourists. More than 80 people were thrown into the river during the unexpected weather event, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Initially, authorities believed two boats had capsized. However, updated reports confirmed that four vessels were involved in the accident. Two boats were carrying passengers, while the remaining two were reportedly empty, with their seven crew members managing to escape safely.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the storm struck without warning. “There was a sudden downpour with hail and thick mist that blanketed the river. It became impossible to see,” one survivor told the Beijing News, a state-owned outlet. Video shared by state media showed a boat floating upside down while a man performed CPR on a victim pulled from the water.
CCTV reported that each vessel had a maximum capacity of 40 passengers and that none were overloaded at the time of the disaster. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the river and transporting at least 70 people to local hospitals, most of whom suffered minor injuries. The search and recovery operation continued through Monday.
The tragedy unfolded during a five-day national holiday in China — a peak travel period when thousands flock to picturesque destinations like Guizhou, known for its lush mountains, deep rivers, and historic villages. The Wu River, in particular, is a popular site for river cruises and sightseeing tours.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a directive Sunday night calling for all-out rescue efforts and enhanced medical care for the injured, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. Xi also emphasized the urgent need to tighten safety protocols at tourist sites, public venues, and transport hubs, especially during major holiday periods when large crowds increase risks.
“In light of a recent series of fatal accidents, we must strengthen the safety net across high-traffic destinations and ensure the protection of public well-being,” Xi said, as quoted by Xinhua.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, including whether adequate weather warnings were issued before the storm. Although the vessels were reportedly within capacity limits, the sudden onset of severe weather caught both passengers and crews off guard.
The Guizhou provincial government said additional resources have been deployed to assist in the response, and weather monitoring stations across the region are being reviewed for performance and accuracy.
The Wu River disaster follows a growing number of tourism-related accidents in China that have sparked concern over safety oversight and emergency preparedness during peak travel seasons. Officials say enhanced safety inspections and enforcement measures are now being prioritized across similar high-risk areas.
As of Monday night, search operations for any missing individuals were ongoing, with local authorities not ruling out the possibility of additional casualties.
