The Ministry of Emergency Management has deployed a task force to help with rescue efforts after a section of highway in Guangdong province caved in on Wednesday, killing at least 24, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The collapse occurred along the highway linking Meijiang district and Dabu county in Meizhou, Guangdong.

Authorities in Meizhou said as of 3 pm, 20 vehicles had fallen after the collapse, adding that none were carrying dangerous chemicals or identified as passenger coach.

Twenty-four have been confirmed dead as of 3 pm, and another 30 are being treated in hospital without any concern so far.