2 dead, 7 missing in China after drowning accident near Sanmenxia Dam
- Swimmers swept away after water levels surge near popular beach on the Yellow River, according to media reports
- Emergency bureau says rescue efforts and investigation are under way
As of 7am on Monday, eight people had been rescued downstream of the Sanmenxia Reservoir, with two in hospital and six in good condition, according to a statement by the Sanmenxia emergency management bureau on Monday.
Rescue efforts were still under way and the situation was under investigation, the statement said.
Red Star News reported the water at the spot suddenly surged, and people in the river were swept away.
A survivor named Qin Jialei told Red Star News that he walked to the middle of the river, about 1.5km (0.9 miles) downstream from the dam, at around 4.10pm on Sunday.
Five minutes later, the river started rising, surging around 1.8 metres in just six minutes until Qin was completely submerged, according to the report. Qin said he then swam to a beach around 50 metres (164 feet) away.
Videos on social media showed people trapped in the water.
A staff member of the Sanmenxia Water Conservancy Project Administration denied the change in water levels was caused by water release from the reservoir, saying they had followed regular dispatch and operation instructions from a higher-ranking department.
The report also said fences along the river had been destroyed and there was a sign near the site warning people not to go into the water.