A newly completed bridge in China’s Sichuan province partially collapsed into a river on November 11, 2025, just months after its inauguration. The Hongqi Bridge, measuring 758 meters, failed due to landslides affecting the mountainside above it. Local authorities confirmed there were no casualties from the incident.
Authorities in Maerkang issued a traffic control order on the bridge located on National Highway 317 after discovering cracks in nearby slopes and roadways the previous day. As conditions deteriorated, the approach span and roadbed succumbed to the weight of the landslide, resulting in dramatic footage showing the bridge’s deck plummeting into the river below.
Immediate Response and Investigations
Following the collapse, local police enforced road closures and initiated a response plan. Inspectors had previously raised concerns over the integrity of the bridge, prompting the traffic control measures. State media reported that officials are currently assessing the site and have implemented detours for motorists.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions regarding bridge safety in China, particularly in light of several high-profile collapses since 2024. Authorities have been under increasing scrutiny, leading to more frequent inspections and disciplinary measures in response to previous failures.
According to Reuters, the Hongqi Bridge was completed earlier this year and was a crucial link connecting China’s interior to Tibet. Experts suggest that the recent landslides were exacerbated by ongoing geological instability in the region.
While officials have not provided a timeline for the reopening of the route, they reiterated that no injuries occurred during the collapse. The incident underscores the importance of infrastructure safety and the impact of natural disasters on engineering projects.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring potential risks in the area, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols.
