A newly completed bridge in China’s Sichuan province partially collapsed into a river on November 11, 2025, following landslides that affected the mountainside above the structure. The Hongqi Bridge, which spans 758 meters, had only been open for a few months. Fortunately, local authorities reported no casualties resulting from the incident.
On November 10, police in Maerkang closed the bridge on National Highway 317 after inspectors detected cracks on nearby slopes and roadways. Conditions deteriorated rapidly, leading to the collapse of the approach span and roadbed the following day. Dramatic footage shared on Chinese social media platforms captured the moment the bridge deck gave way, plunging into the river below.
Officials and state media attributed the collapse to landslides caused by increasing deformation of the mountainside. Following the incident, detours were established, and specialists were deployed to assess the damage and safety of the area. According to reports from Jiemian, authorities have not yet provided an estimated timeline for when the route will be reopened.
Bridge Safety Under Scrutiny
The Hongqi Bridge plays a critical role in connecting China’s interior to Tibet. Its completion earlier this year was highlighted in promotional material released by the contractor. However, the collapse has raised significant concerns about bridge safety in China, particularly in light of a series of high-profile failures since 2024.
In response to these incidents, the Chinese government has implemented more rigorous inspections and taken disciplinary actions to address safety issues. The collapse of the Hongqi Bridge is likely to prompt further scrutiny and review of infrastructure safety protocols across the country.
As investigations continue, the focus will remain on understanding the factors that led to this incident and ensuring that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.
