18 people were killed and 21 others were injured after a crash involving more than 30 vehicles on a motorway near Yingshang County, in east China's Anhui Province. 11 of the people injured are reportedly in a serious condition, reported ftimes.
According to Anhui Fire Station's Weibo account, the accident occurred on Chuxin Highway at approximately 7:50 local time on Wednesday morning.
More than 30 cars were involved in the chain-reaction pileup, as well as two buses, a delivery van and a cement lorry, all of which were engulfed by flames at some point. The fires were extinguished by 10:38.
A rescue team consisting of 180 firefighters, 23 fire trucks and a long-range search and rescue helicopter was immediately dispatched to the site.
Emergency services have so far confirmed 18 deaths, although many others have been taken to hospital for further treatment.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown and an investigation has been launched.