URGENT UPDATE: Terrifying footage of a bridge collapse in China has emerged, just months after the Shuangjiangkou Hongqi Bridge opened. The incident unfolded on November 11, 2025, raising serious concerns about infrastructure safety in the region.
The bridge, which is part of a national highway connecting Sichuan Province and Tibet, collapsed dramatically, sending debris and dust into the air. Fortunately, the bridge was empty at the time, as authorities had closed it just one day earlier due to noticeable cracks on surrounding roads and slopes.
Standing at 2,487 feet long and costing an estimated $399 million, the Hongqi Bridge was designed to withstand an 8.0-magnitude earthquake. Built by the Sichuan Road & Bridge Group, it was a significant engineering feat, rising over 1,000 feet above the river.
Officials from the Washington Post report that local government authorities are currently attributing the collapse to a landslide that compromised the roadbed and approach ramp. However, questions are swirling regarding other potential factors at play. Just days before the collapse, the nearby Shuangjiangkou Dam, the world’s tallest hydroelectric power dam, held an opening ceremony, prompting speculation about its impact on the bridge’s structural integrity, although there is currently no evidence supporting this theory.
The region’s vulnerability to seismic activity is further underscored by the tragic 2008 earthquake, which claimed over 69,000 lives. The collapse of the Hongqi Bridge has reignited discussions about the safety of infrastructure in seismically active areas, especially following previous catastrophic failures, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore in 2024 and the Morandi Bridge disaster in Genoa, Italy, in 2018.
As of now, authorities have established a detour, but it remains unclear when the Hongqi Bridge will be reopened. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with rapid infrastructure development, especially in regions prone to natural disasters.
The implications of this collapse are significant, not only for local traffic but also for public confidence in engineering practices. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on understanding the full scope of what led to this alarming event and ensuring accountability for the safety of future construction projects.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as officials work to determine the cause and next steps following this shocking incident.
