At approximately 9:00 a.m. on December 2, 2024, a civilian boat capsized on the section of the Pingzheng River near the Beilei Hydropower Station in Gangbian Zhuang Ethnic Township, Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, resulting in significant casualties. As of now, the incident has claimed the lives of 8 individuals, with 5 others rescued and transported to medical facilities for observation and treatment.

Following the incident, local authorities swiftly activated emergency response protocols. Police, fire, medical, and other relevant departments immediately rushed to the scene to initiate rescue operations. The affected river section is located downstream of the Pingzheng River Hydropower Station, where complex currents and low water temperatures significantly complicated rescue efforts. After continuous efforts spanning several hours by multiple agencies, on-site rescue operations were fully concluded that afternoon.  

CCTV reporters at the scene observed that the river section involved is relatively wide, flanked by steep mountain slopes on both sides. Rescue vessels remain docked at the accident site, with professionals securing the sunken hull for subsequent investigation. The head of the rescue command center stated that among the five survivors, some exhibit mild hypothermia symptoms but are currently out of life-threatening danger. Medical teams are providing full treatment.   

The cause of the accident is currently under further investigation. Preliminary information indicates that the capsized civilian vessel was a wooden boat commonly used by local villagers for transportation. Whether overloading or operational error was involved remains to be verified.   

Following the incident, the local government has established a task force to handle the aftermath and is conducting a comprehensive safety inspection of vessels operating on similar routes to prevent similar accidents from recurring.

This incident serves as a wake-up call for water safety and reminds the public to strictly adhere to safety protocols when traveling on water to prevent accidents. CCTV will continue to monitor the progress of the subsequent investigation.