Bridge Collapses Shortly After Opening
A recently inaugurated bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan province has collapsed, though no casualties have been reported.
According to international news agencies, a large section of the Hongqi Bridge, stretching approximately 758 meters, gave way on Tuesday. The bridge, which had been opened to traffic only a few months ago, was considered part of Sichuan’s ambitious infrastructure development program.
Early Warning Signs Ignored
Preliminary reports suggest that cracks had begun appearing on the bridge two days before the collapse. Local authorities, upon noticing the damage, had partially restricted traffic flow as a precaution. Despite these measures, a major section of the bridge suddenly gave way, sending debris crashing into the river below.
Officials have since sealed off the surrounding area and diverted traffic to alternative routes. No injuries or fatalities were reported, largely due to the earlier restrictions and swift response from local police and transport departments.
Investigation Underway
Technical experts and structural engineers have been dispatched to the site to determine the cause of the collapse. Authorities are examining whether flaws in design, construction materials, or weather conditions contributed to the disaster.
The Sichuan Provincial Department of Transportation has also ordered emergency inspections of nearby bridges and road networks to prevent similar incidents. Such precautionary measures are common in China, where rapid infrastructure expansion has occasionally led to safety concerns.
Viral Footage Circulates on Social Media
Videos of the incident have gone viral on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and Douyin (TikTok China). The clips show the middle section of the bridge suddenly buckling and falling, while nearby vehicles narrowly avoid disaster.
Many online users have expressed relief that no lives were lost, while others have called for stricter safety checks on new construction projects.
Broader Context
China has invested heavily in infrastructure over the past two decades, with thousands of bridges and expressways built across its provinces to boost connectivity. However, incidents like the Hongqi Bridge collapse highlight growing public concerns about construction quality and long-term maintenance.
Authorities have promised a full investigation, and findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
