Hongqi Bridge Collapses in Dramatic Landslide in China
A dramatic scene unfolded in southwestern China this week as the newly opened Hongqi Bridge partially collapsed, plunging into the river below after a landslide struck the area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the bridge had already been closed to traffic, allowing authorities to ensure the safety of those nearby.
The Hongqi Bridge, a 758-metre-long structure connecting Sichuan province with Tibet, had been a major part of China’s national highway network. It was completed earlier this year, representing the country’s ongoing push to expand infrastructure at a rapid pace. However, inspections carried out on Monday revealed cracks on the surrounding slopes, and shifts in the mountain terrain were noticed, raising immediate concerns. By Monday evening, all vehicles on the bridge were safely evacuated, and warning signs were installed to prevent unauthorized access.
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Footage released by state media captured the moment a section of the bridge near the mountain slope gave way. As the landslide ruptured the foundations, the approach bridge and roadbed collapsed into the river below in a plume of dust and debris. The collapse highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure in mountainous regions, particularly when extreme weather and shifting terrain are involved.
The Sichuan Road & Bridge Group, which constructed the bridge, confirmed that there is no estimated timeline for reopening the highway. This incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of China’s infrastructure, as the country has experienced a series of similar accidents in recent years. Earlier this year, a 1.6-kilometre railway bridge in Qinghai province collapsed during construction, tragically killing at least 12 workers. Last year, torrential rains contributed to the partial collapse of a bridge in Shaanxi province, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 people, and another highway collapse in Guangdong province in May 2024 claimed 36 lives.
China’s ambitious infrastructure agenda has delivered many impressive projects across the country, but the Hongqi Bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by natural hazards, particularly in regions prone to landslides and heavy rainfall. Authorities and construction experts are now closely examining the site to understand the failure and prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the dramatic collapse of the Hongqi Bridge stands as a vivid illustration of the delicate balance between rapid development and environmental risks, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring and engineering in regions of challenging terrain.
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