Beijing: A newly opened bridge in southwest China has partially collapsed, plunging into a river below after worsening mountain conditions triggered multiple landslides. Authorities confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities, as the bridge had been closed to traffic before the incident occurred. Inspection teams had detected cracks and shifting slopes in the surrounding mountains the day before, according to Chinese state media outlet The Global Times.
The Hongqi Bridge – A Key Transport Link
The 758-metre-long Hongqi Bridge, located in Sichuan province, was part of a major national highway linking China’s heartland with Tibet.
By Monday evening, emergency crews had evacuated all stranded vehicles from the structure. Local newspaper Sichuan Daily reported that warning signs were placed on-site to prevent unauthorised access.
Collapse Caught on Camera
Footage released by Chinese state media captured the moment a section of the bridge collapsed near the mountain slope on Tuesday. A landslide tore through its foundations, causing the approach span and roadbed to crumble into the river below amid clouds of dust and debris.
Construction of the bridge had been completed earlier this year by the Sichuan Road & Bridge Group, which posted videos of the project on social media. The company has stated that there is no current timeline for reopening the highway.
Safety Concerns Over Rapid Infrastructure Growth
The collapse has renewed concerns about the safety of China’s infrastructure, particularly its ability to withstand extreme weather events. Over the past decade, China has pursued an aggressive infrastructure agenda, constructing roads, bridges, and railways at breakneck speed.
However, several recent disasters have raised questions about design standards and long-term resilience.
Previous Bridge Tragedies in China
In recent years, China has witnessed several major bridge collapses:
- Qinghai Province (2024): A 1.6-kilometre railway bridge under construction collapsed, killing at least 12 workers after a steel cable snapped, sending them 55 metres into the Yellow River.
- Shaanxi Province (2023): Torrential rains caused a partial bridge collapse that killed 38 people and sent 25 vehicles plunging into a river below.
- Guangdong Province (May 2024): Heavy rainfall triggered a highway collapse, killing 36 people as vehicles tumbled down a steep slope.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched an investigation into the Hongqi Bridge collapse to determine the exact cause and assess the safety of similar structures across the region.
The incident highlights the growing risks posed by extreme weather, rapid construction, and the urgent need for more resilient engineering standards in China’s infrastructure network.
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