BEIJING, May 2 -- The Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council has called for intensified efforts to ensure safety following a deadly road collapse in south China, the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Thursday.

The office issued an urgent circular requiring local governments, relevant government departments and centrally administered state-owned enterprises to draw lessons from the road collapse and take concrete measures to prevent similar accidents.

The circular urged steps to shore up weak links and effectively manage the risk of major accidents.

The office underscored the need for strengthened action to ensure the safety of transportation infrastructure, tourist attractions, large recreation facilities and locations that host mass gatherings, as well as the need to improve emergency response work.

Part of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Guangdong Province collapsed early on Wednesday morning, causing multiple casualties.