TL;DR: A newly built 758-meter bridge in Sichuan province partially collapsed on November 11, 2025, following landslides caused by mountain slope instability. Authorities had closed the bridge a day earlier after detecting cracks, preventing any casualties.
What Happened
- The Hongqi Bridge in Maerkang City, Sichuan Province, partially collapsed on November 11, 2025, just months after its opening earlier this year.
- The bridge, part of National Highway G317 linking central China to Tibet, suffered a failure of its approach span and roadbed after landslides triggered by mountain slope deformation.
- Around 130 meters of the approach span and 260 meters of roadway fell into the Dadu River below.
- Authorities had closed the bridge on November 10 after detecting cracks and terrain shifts on nearby slopes.
Cause and Investigation
- Local officials said the collapse was caused by geological instability and landslides, not by structural flaws.
- Preliminary findings indicate water accumulation and pressure from the nearby Shuangjiangkou Reservoir may have worsened slope conditions.
- An official investigation is underway to determine whether natural factors or engineering deficiencies contributed.
Response and Impact
- Thanks to the proactive closure and evacuation, no casualties or injuries occurred.
- Emergency teams have secured the site and set up detour routes for traffic.
- The highway remains closed, with no reopening timeline announced.
- The incident has raised concerns over infrastructure safety in geologically sensitive, mountainous regions of western China.
Official Statement
- Maerkang city authorities stated:
- They confirmed that all stranded vehicles were evacuated and warning signs installed before the collapse.
“Thanks to timely traffic control measures and emergency responses, no casualties or injuries were reported.”