Road accident kills 9

The death toll from a road accident in a Guangdong county had risen to nine after a seriously injured person died in hospital on Saturday night.

The crash occurred on a highway in Boluo County, Huizhou City, when a truck ran out of control and hit a car and then crashed into an oncoming coach. The coach, carrying 30 people including the driver, overturned.

Taiwan products banned

The mainland has extended a ban on products imported from Taiwan after authorities in Taipei warned they were tainted* with a chemical used in plastics.

In the latest update on the import ban posted on its Web site on Sunday, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said the mainland would suspend imports of 924 products, including beverages*, food and food additives* made by 276 companies － up from the 22 announced last Wednesday.

Downpours lead to floods

Continuous downpours have caused flooding in some parts of southern and central China while bringing relief to months of drought, authorities said.

One died and 15 others were missing in Wangmo County in Guizhou, after heavy rains hit the province from 8 a.m. on Sunday to 8 a.m. on Monday, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters said.

Electric bike ban

A ban on electric bikes took effect in Shenzhen on Monday, except Guangming and Pingshan new zones and four remote subdistricts in Longgang District.

Police said offenders would be given a warning before a fine of 200 yuan (US$31) or confiscation* of the electric bikes was imposed on July 1. About 500,000 electric bicycles would be affected.

The ban would remain in place until December 5 and then public opinion would be sought and adjustments made if necessary.