Disaster struck China’s Sichuan province as the recently completed Hongqi Bridge succumbed to a massive landslide, plunging a section into a river. Eyewitness accounts and circulating videos depict the terrifying scene of the bridge crumbling as the adjacent mountain slope failed. Authorities have reassuringly reported no fatalities, and a comprehensive inquiry into the collapse is now underway.
The bridge, a key component of the national highway connecting central China with Tibet, was impacted on Tuesday. Disturbing visuals documented the bridge’s pillars giving way, leading a large section to fall into the river. The event released a vast cloud of dust and debris as the landslide engulfed the structure. The area is known for its susceptibility to landslides due to steep terrain and geological instability, which preliminary findings point to as the likely culprit. Even though preventive measures were taken after cracks appeared and mountain movement was detected, the terrain ultimately gave way. Officials are conducting a thorough technical review to rule out any potential engineering or structural defects in the 758-meter-long bridge.