4 dead after blast at highway building site

Four people were killed and nine others injured in a blast that ripped through a highway tunnel under construction in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality on Monday afternoon, local authorities said on Tuesday. According to the commission of transport in Wanzhou district of Chongqing, the blast occurred around 3:10 pm on Monday at the construction site of a section of the national highway linking Hubei and Sichuan provinces. One person was initially reported missing and 12 others were wounded. As of midnight on Tuesday, rescuers managed to find the body of the missing individual, while three of the injured succumbed to their wounds despite receiving medical treatment. The explosion was suspected to have been triggered by flammable gas. The site has been cordoned off and an investigation is underway.

Monthlong free entry at Changbai Mountain

With the Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day, holiday approaching, authorities in Jilin province have announced free entry to the Changbai Mountain scenic area in a move aimed at boosting tourism. According to a statement published on the official government social media account on Tuesday, admission fees will be waived for all domestic and international visitors from Tuesday to April 30. The offer applies to entry tickets for the scenic area's north and west zones. However, additional services, including shuttle buses within the park and transport to the mountain's main peak, will still be charged. Visitors are required to book in advance through the official Changbai Mountain WeChat account. Entry will be granted upon presentation of valid identification at the site.

China Daily - Xinhua