A newly completed section of the Hongqi Bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan province collapsed on Tuesday, just months after opening, though fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
The 758-meter-long Hongqi Bridge, part of the national highway linking central China to Tibet, was shut down on Monday afternoon after local authorities identified large cracks in nearby slopes and road surfaces, as well as shifts in terrain on the mountainside. On Tuesday afternoon, the terrain worsened, triggering landslides that undermined the bridge’s approach and roadbed, causing a section of the structure to collapse and fall into the gorge below.
Video footage captured a plume of dust as concrete and structural elements plunged into the valley, underscoring the sudden nature of the failure. The bridge is located near the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station dam site in Maerkang (Barkam) in Sichuan province.
Technical Assessment of the Hongqi Bridge Collapse
The Hongqi Bridge, completed earlier in 2025 and opened to traffic only a few months ago, has become the focus of major scrutiny following its partial collapse in Sichuan province. Standing roughly 625 meters above the gorge floor, the bridge served as a vital connection between Sichuan province and the Tibetan plateau, enhancing regional transport and trade routes.
Warning Signs Before the Collapse
According to Reuters, early signs of instability appeared on Monday, when local authorities detected terrain deformation near the bridge. Officials reported visible cracks along the slopes adjacent to the bridge, along with noticeable movement of the mountain surface. The roadbed of the approach span also showed significant compromise, prompting temporary closure and monitoring of the area.
Landslide Trigger and Structural Failure
By Tuesday afternoon, the situation escalated as a landslide struck the mountainside, leading to the collapse of the bridge’s approach section and adjoining roadbed. The main span of the bridge reportedly remains intact, but the failure of the access structure has rendered the entire route unusable for now. The collapse sent a large section of concrete tumbling into the valley below, captured in dramatic footage that circulated widely online.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Review
Authorities have initiated a technical investigation to determine the root cause of the collapse. Experts are examining whether the failure was solely due to geological instability in the mountainous terrain or whether design and construction factors may have contributed. Structural engineers and local officials are also assessing the remaining sections of the bridge to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.
Officers immediately cordoned off the area, with traffic suspended on the bridge and officials examining the surrounding slope conditions. Although no one was on the bridge at the time of the collapse and no injuries have been reported, the incident raises questions about infrastructure safety in geologically complex regions.
Given the bridge’s strategic importance for regional connectivity, the collapses may delay travel and logistics in the region while repairs or reconstruction proceed.
