A newly constructed bridge in Sichuan Province, China, partially collapsed into a river on November 11, 2025, following landslides that affected the mountainside above the Hongqi Bridge. The bridge, measuring 758 meters, was completed just months prior and served as a vital connection along National Highway 317. Fortunately, local authorities reported no casualties related to the incident.
The collapse occurred after police in Maerkang had closed the bridge on November 10 due to visible cracks on adjacent slopes and roadways. According to reports from Reuters, conditions quickly deteriorated, leading to the failure of the approach span and roadbed the following day. Dramatic footage shared on Chinese social media platforms captured the moment the deck broke apart and fell into the river below.
Investigation and Response
In response to the collapse, local officials have confirmed that a traffic control order was issued prior to the incident. Inspectors had flagged the cracks, prompting the closure. Following the collapse, authorities reiterated that there were no reported injuries, as confirmed by both local and state media outlets.
Officials have attributed the bridge’s failure to landslides, which were reportedly triggered by worsening deformation of the mountainside. As a precaution, detours have been established while specialists conduct thorough assessments of the site. Jiemian reported that it remains uncertain when the route will be reopened for traffic.
The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny regarding bridge safety in China, a country that has faced significant public concern following a series of high-profile bridge failures since 2024. In light of these events, authorities have initiated periodic inspections and disciplinary actions to improve safety standards across infrastructure projects.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the importance of monitoring geological conditions and infrastructure integrity in areas prone to natural disasters. The future of the Hongqi Bridge and its role in connecting regions remains uncertain as specialists work to determine the cause of the collapse and assess the overall safety of similar structures in the region.