A dramatic video circulating online captured the terrifying moment a massive landslide caused the newly opened Hongqi Bridge in China to partially collapse. The bridge, a vital link connecting central China to Tibet, succumbed to the relentless force of nature just months after welcoming its first traffic.
Authorities in Maerkang city confirmed that, remarkably, no one was injured or killed in the incident. This fortunate outcome followed a proactive decision to close the bridge on Monday, triggered by early warnings of shifting terrain and slope deformation along the riverbank.
Inspections revealed ominous cracks appearing in the roadway, prompting an immediate emergency response. Warning signs were erected, and traffic control measures implemented, all in an effort to protect the public from the growing danger.
Despite these precautions, the slope continued to deteriorate throughout Tuesday, ultimately giving way to a devastating landslide. The video shows a torrent of rocks and debris cascading down the mountainside, engulfing a section of the roadway and bridge in a cloud of dust and smoke.
When the dust settled, a sobering scene emerged: portions of the highway and supporting pillars lay scattered on the ground, while the remaining structure of the bridge stood seemingly untouched. Officials have yet to announce a timeline for repairs, and motorists are being directed to alternative routes.
This collapse marks the second significant infrastructure failure in China in recent months. In August, a railway bridge under construction in Qinghai province tragically collapsed, claiming the lives of twelve workers.
The railway bridge failure occurred during a tensioning operation when a critical steel cable snapped. Surveillance footage revealed the middle section of the bridge plummeting into the Yellow River, accompanied by a shower of sparks.
The ill-fated railway bridge was designed to be the world’s largest-span double-track railway steel truss arch bridge, intended to connect the Sichuan-Qinghai high-speed rail line to Tibet. Its collapse represents a significant setback for the ambitious project.
The recent incidents echo a similar tragedy in India, where a bridge collapse in Gujarat state in July resulted in the deaths of eleven people, with a twelfth succumbing to injuries weeks later. These events collectively underscore the vulnerability of infrastructure to unforeseen natural forces and the critical importance of rigorous safety measures.
