Tributes paid to 6 firefighters killed in China after truck veers off cliff
South China Morning Post
by Meredith ChenFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Six firefighters were killed when their truck crashed off a cliff in Xinhua county, Hunan province, while they were returning from extinguishing a house fire during the Chinese New Year holidays. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as the team was traveling back down a winding hillside road after successfully putting out a blaze that started around 1pm. A seventh firefighter was injured but was reported to be in stable condition following hospitalization in Changsha for further treatment.
The firefighters were part of a group of approximately ten emergency workers sent to tackle the fire, which broke out in a timber home along a steep and narrow road. After battling the flames, they began their journey back, but one of the trucks carrying the team veered off the edge of the cliff just 2 kilometers from the fire site. The crash occurred on a particularly steep section of the road, leading to the tragic loss of six lives.
This incident highlights the immense risks faced by firefighters in challenging and dangerous environments. Tributes have been paid by colleagues, relatives, and local residents to honor the bravery and dedication of those who lost their lives while serving others. The accident underscores the perilous nature of firefighting work and serves as a somber
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026