Southwest China: bridge partially collapses months after opening

A section of National Highway 317 in Sichuan province collapsed on Tuesday afternoon after a mountainside gave way, according to local authorities. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. The Hongqi Bridge stretches about 758 meters (roughly 2,500 feet) and had only been completed earlier this year as part of a major route connecting Sichuan with Tibet. As of now, there is no estimated date for reopening the affected section of the highway, and vehicles are being directed along designated detours while cleanup and repair efforts continue.

Warning signs first appeared on Monday, when deformation was detected on the slope near the Hongqi Bridge section of the highway in Maerkang city. At around 5:25 p.m., inspectors noticed potential risks, prompting an immediate emergency response. Teams from the public security, transportation, and natural resources departments rushed to the site to assess the danger and carry out safety measures. By late that night, all vehicles had been safely evacuated, and barriers and warning signs were set up to restrict access. Authorities issued a traffic control notice soon after, advising drivers to use alternative routes.

Officials credited these timely actions for preventing any injuries or loss of life. However, conditions deteriorated on Tuesday. Videos shared online show a major landslide as the slope continued to shift, sending debris crashing down and causing the bridge’s approach section and underlying roadbed to collapse. The falling bridge piers and deck produced a thick cloud of dust and smoke.