According to local authorities, the incident occurred near the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Maerkang city, Southwest China.
A section of the newly inaugurated Hongqi Bridge in China’s Sichuan province collapsed into a river on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the region. The bridge, located along a key national highway connecting China’s interior to Tibet, gave way after a massive landslide struck the area. Thankfully, officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred near the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Maerkang city, Southwest China. The Hongqi Bridge, which had recently opened to the public, was closed to traffic just a day earlier after cracks were detected in nearby slopes and roads. Despite the precautionary closure, a large portion of the bridge collapsed into the river below on Tuesday afternoon.
Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic moment when the hillside began to crumble. In the footage, thick clouds of dust rise as rocks and soil slide down, engulfing the bridge's base. Within seconds, the structure gives way — concrete pillars tilt and the bridge deck crashes into the river.
Authorities revealed that on Monday, police in Maerkang had already shut down the 758-meter-long bridge to all traffic. They cited visible cracks and shifting mountain terrain as signs of possible structural instability. The early detection and quick closure likely prevented any loss of life.
“Police in Maerkang closed the Hongqi Bridge to all traffic after identifying cracks on nearby slopes and roads,” local officials said. “They also noted shifts in the mountain terrain, signaling potential structural concerns.”
The following day, the approach road and the bridge’s base gave way, triggering landslides and eventually bringing down a major portion of the bridge structure.
Preliminary investigations suggest that geological instability in the steep, mountainous region was the main cause of the collapse. Authorities believe a large landslide, caused by unstable soil and rock formations, eroded the base supporting the bridge structure.
Rescue and emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to assess the extent of the damage. Officials are also evaluating nearby slopes and roads for additional risks to ensure the safety of residents and workers in the area.
The Hongqi Bridge was an important part of a national highway linking China’s inland regions with Tibet, serving as a vital transportation and trade route. The collapse has disrupted traffic and raised questions about construction quality and geological assessment in mountainous terrains.
As authorities continue their investigation, experts are expected to review engineering standards for infrastructure projects in high-risk zones to prevent such incidents in the future.
