The newly built Hongqi Bridge in southwest China’s Sichuan province partially collapsed after a landslide struck its base, sending parts of the structure into a river. The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon and people were shocked to see sections of the bridge, which is also part of a major national highway, crumble within seconds. Scroll down for more details.
China’s Hongqi Bridge Collapses
The Hongqi Bridge in Shuangjiangkou, Sichuan Province, China, partially collapsed today. Authorities believe that cracks in the nearby mountainside — likely caused by water accumulation from a nearby reservoir — played a major role in the incident. pic.twitter.com/v1bdbj5KLJ
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However, it was a relief that authorities had already closed the bridge and nearby roads a day earlier. They had spotted cracks on the surrounding slopes, and terrain shifts were detected on a nearby mountain. The construction of this bridge was completed earlier this year, and seeing it collapse in just a few months was shocking. The collapsed part of the bridge was a section of the national highway that connected China and Tibet.
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What Caused The Bridge To Collapse?
According to The Indian Express, early findings suggest that the collapse was primarily caused by geological instability in the area. The bridge was built in Sichuan, a region known for its steep, landslide-prone terrain. Here, heavy rainfall and seismic activities often make large-scale infrastructure projects risky. Local officials have confirmed that a detailed technical investigation is underway. They are trying to assess whether design or construction flaws also played a role in the incident.
People say that the collapse highlights ongoing challenges in balancing rapid infrastructure growth with the tough natural conditions in China’s western regions. As the country continues expanding its transport links through mountainous areas, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for stronger geological monitoring and long-term safety planning. It’s necessary, especially in zones vulnerable to landslides and earthquakes.
No injuries have been reported till now, and we hope everyone in the area is safe.
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