A dramatic video has surfaced online showing the shocking moment when China’s newly constructed Hongqi Bridge in Sichuan province collapsed on November 11, 2025. The 758-meter-long bridge, part of a national highway linking central China to Tibet, crumbled unexpectedly, plunging massive sections of concrete into the river below. Clouds of dust filled the air as horrified onlookers recorded the devastating scene, which quickly went viral on social media platforms.
Read the full story about China’s Hongqi Bridge collapse and watch the viral video here
Local authorities reported that the bridge had been temporarily closed a day earlier, following the discovery of cracks and ground shifts in the surrounding area. Preliminary investigations suggest that geological instability in the steep mountainous terrain may have triggered the collapse. Officials confirmed that no casualties occurred, thanks to the precautionary closure initiated before the incident.
According to a report from Sichuan Daily, inspectors identified potential risks at around 5:25 pm local time on Monday, prompting an emergency response and evacuation of the surrounding area. The actual collapse took place at approximately 3:00 pm the following day, near the G317 national highway in Maerkang city. The bridge, which stood about 625 meters above a deep gorge near the Shuangjiangku Hydropower Station, had been opened to the public just two months ago, in September 2025.
Authorities have launched a detailed technical probe to determine whether design flaws or construction lapses contributed to the disaster. The highway remains closed indefinitely as engineers assess the structural integrity of nearby infrastructure. Despite the absence of fatalities, the incident has sparked major discussions about the safety of China’s rapid infrastructure expansion, particularly in geologically sensitive regions. As rescue and evaluation teams continue their work, the collapse of the Hongqi Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that accompany large-scale engineering projects in complex terrains.
