A massive landslide caused alarmed drivers to hastily reverse their vehicles in an attempt to avoid being trapped or crushed in southern China.

Video filmed in Aba Prefecture in Sichuan Province on August 23 shows a vast portion of a mountain collapsing onto the road, causing the cars to reverse.

The incident led to an immediate interruption in road services, prompting local agencies to initiate urgent repair works.

One of the drivers, Mr Wang, who was piloting a van at the time, recounted his harrowing experience. "I was about 10 metres away from the collapsing section. I initially thought of accelerating past the danger, but the mountain crumbled in an instant. I immediately had to reverse, and everyone in the car was terrified," he said.

As of 11:00 am on August 24, a representative from the Mao County Transportation Bureau confirmed that a temporary detour on the affected road segment had been established and traffic was now being allowed in a single lane.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

8月23日18时许，四川省阿坝州茂县茂黑公路一侧山体发生滑坡，路过车辆纷纷倒车避让。滑坡致道路中断，事发后，相关部门组织抢修，现场实施临时交通管制。据现场的面包车驾驶员王先生称，他离塌方的地方十米左右，本来想开车冲过去，但山体瞬间就垮塌下来，赶紧往后倒车，车上的人都吓惨了。24日11时许，茂县交通局工作人员称，事发路段便道已抢通，正在单边放行。