Barge pilot decapitated by bridge on East China river

Police officers check a river barge where a pilot was decapitated while passing under a bridge in Haining, Zhejiang province on September 1. Photo: china.com

The pilot of a river barge was reportedly decapitated while passing under a bridge after water levels had risen in Haining, Zhejiang province on September 1.

Witnesses say the pilot surnamed Yuan was steering the vessel on the Shihe River when his head struck the Xinqiao Bridge.

The 300-ton capacity barge continued down the river before drifting to a stop.

Photos of the grizzly scene show Yuan still seated in the drivers seat with his head missing.

"My husband sells fruit on the river bank and he witnessed the whole accident," said a woman at the scene. "The ship was heading fast but the water had risen."

According to the report, reflective signage warning of the risen water level was in clear view on the bridge.

"Although the water was higher, the pilot still would have made it if he had slowed down and lowered his head," said a resident living nearby.

Yuan was on his way to pick up a load of slurry for transport.

Local police are still investigating the accident.