In the southwest
China region of Sichuan, a portion of a newly constructed bridge collapsed on Tuesday along a national route connecting the country's core with
Tibet, according to local authorities.
As stated by the local administration, police in the city of Maerkang blocked the 758-meter-long Hongqi bridge to all traffic on the afternoon of Monday after cracks formed on surrounding roads and slopes, many changes were observed in the mountain's topography.
It further stated that the approach bridge and roadbed collapsed on Tuesday afternoon due to landslides caused by worsening circumstances on the hill.
According to a video that the contractor Sichuan Road & Bridge Group shared on social media, the bridge's construction was completed earlier this year.
Primary studies indicate that the collapse was caused by geological instability in the steep
mountain terrain, and there were no reports of deaths.
Following the tragedy, the authorities stopped the bridge while a thorough technical investigation was conducted to ascertain whether the disaster was caused by design or construction flaws.
While repairs or reconstruction are being finished, alternatives will be necessary due to the disruption of traffic on the route. The anticipated reopening schedule has not yet been disclosed.
In order to ascertain whether design, construction, maintenance, or geological oversight were accountable, authorities have opened an investigation into the collapse.
Why did it happen?
Geological instability appears to be the direct cause, since the bridge's roadway and structure were compromised by shifting topography, slope fissures, and a later landslide.
According to reports, this happened in a rough, hilly area that frequently presents serious difficulties for large
infrastructure.
The event highlights how quickly infrastructure is developing in China's interior, particularly in challenging areas.
The incident calls into doubt of site selection, geological investigations, slope stability management, and long-term infrastructure monitoring in high-risk areas, even though the bridge was relatively new.
The fact is that no one was harmed demonstrates that taking preventative measures, like blocking the bridge, can save lives, but there may be significant financial and reputational costs.
