Shocking Footage: Newly Built Bridge in China Dramatically Collapses

Bridge Collapse Shakes Southwest China

A newly built bridge in southwest China partially collapsed on Tuesday, creating a cloud of dust as concrete fell below. The Hongqi Bridge, which stretches 2,487 feet, connects Sichuan province to Tibet. It was closed on Monday after cracks appeared in nearby slopes and roads in the mountainous area.

On Tuesday, officials from Ma’erkang city reported that a landslide caused the bridge to fracture and then collapse. Miraculously, there were no injuries or casualties.

As authorities investigate the cause of the collapse, concerns about safety in the seismically active region are resurfacing. Sichuan has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, like the 2008 quake that claimed over 69,000 lives.

Videos of the incident have gone viral on Chinese social media, showing the dramatic moment of the collapse. The bridge had just opened earlier this year, highlighting the rapid pace of infrastructure development in China. Recent statistics show that China has invested heavily in building roads, bridges, and railways over the past decade. Just last month, the world’s highest bridge was inaugurated in Guizhou province, setting a new record.

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with such large-scale projects. Experts in civil engineering have pointed out that while rapid construction aims to improve access and connectivity, it can lead to safety oversights, especially in vulnerable areas.

As conversations unfold online, users express both shock and concern over infrastructure safety, calling for greater oversight and improved engineering standards.

For more information on China’s infrastructure initiatives, visit NBC News.

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