A recent incident in Sichuan province, China, has resulted in the partial collapse of the newly constructed Hongqi Bridge. This essential structure, spanning 758 meters, serves as a major route linking Sichuan with Tibet. On Tuesday, the bridge succumbed to a combination of landslides and pre-existing structural deficiencies, just months after its completion. Prior to the collapse, authorities had proactively closed the bridge due to detected cracks and ground shifts. Footage from the site captured the moment debris fell onto the bridge, with sections breaking away and plunging into the river below, accompanied by a significant dust cloud that enveloped the area. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was precipitated by landslides from the surrounding mountainside. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, which can be attributed to timely preventive measures taken to shut down access to the bridge after engineers observed concerning signs of instability. The decision to close the bridge was made on Monday afternoon, ahead of the collapse, following observations of cracks on nearby roads and indications of shifting ground. The local government described the situation as deteriorating rapidly, ultimately leading to the disaster on Tuesday afternoon as the weakened mountainside could no longer support itself. This bridge was anticipated to facilitate increased traffic and connectivity between Sichuan, a pivotal region in Central China, and the Tibetan Plateau. The Hongqi Bridge serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure assessments in relation to natural terrain stability, particularly in areas prone to landslides and geological disturbances.
Partial Collapse of New Highway Bridge in Sichuan, China
The Times of India •
Image source: The Times of India website
The Hongqi Bridge in Sichuan, China, partially collapsed due to landslides and structural instability just months after opening. Authorities had closed the bridge due to detected cracks and ground shifts, preventing any casualties. The incident was exacerbated by landslides from a nearby mountainside, which destroyed part of the bridge and the approach road. This event underscores the necessity for thorough infrastructure evaluations in geological risk areas.