A troubling event occurred in southwest China’s Sichuan province when the newly constructed Hongqi Bridge collapsed into the river below. This dramatic incident took place near Maerkang city, specifically close to the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station, and was captured in a video that has since shared widely on social media. The bridge, which is part of a national highway connecting China’s heartland to Tibet, gave way after a series of landslides in the area. Local authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties have been reported following the collapse,

The Hongqi Bridge, measuring 758 meters in length, was shut down to all traffic just a day prior to the incident, as cracks were found on surrounding slopes and roads, indicating geological instability. Experts noted that the collapse was likely caused by the steep terrain shift and the landslides that occurred. Given the risk evidenced by the structural damage observed, emergency response teams were dispatched to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

This bridge had only been completed earlier this year and recently opened for public use, making the collapse particularly startling. The Sichuan Road & Bridge Group was responsible for its construction, and the incident raises concerns about infrastructure resilience in the face of natural disasters in mountainous regions. The swift measures by local authorities to close the bridge before the incident potentially prevented loss of life or injuries amongst travelers.

In summary, the Hongqi Bridge collapse serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with building infrastructure in geologically vulnerable areas. As rescue teams continue their work, more information about the structural integrity of other nearby bridges may come to light. The focus now shifts to recovery efforts and ensuring that similar disasters are prevented in the future.