A newly constructed bridge in China’s Sichuan Province — the Hongqi Bridge — partially collapsed
A newly constructed bridge in China’s Sichuan Province — the Hongqi Bridge — partially collapsed on November 11, 2025, following a massive landslide in Maerkang City. The 758-meter-long bridge was part of the G317 National Highway, linking central China to Tibet. Authorities had noticed cracks in the slopes and roadbed the day before and had closed
the bridge to traffic, which prevented any casualties. When the mountainside gave way, it destroyed the approach ramp and foundations, sending a section of the bridge crashing into the river below. The incident has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in China’s mountainous regions. Experts warn that insufficient geological assessment, weak slope stabilization, and inadequate monitoring can lead to such failures even in newly built projects. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether design flaws, construction issues, or ground instability caused the collapse.