Landslide causes newly opened bridge in China to collapse

The bridge, part of a national highway linking central China with Tibet, collapsed on Tuesday afternoon after a series of landslides in the area, according to local authorities. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The incident occurred near the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Plant in Makang City. Videos circulating on social media showed the hillside beginning to collapse, sending clouds of dust and debris flying into the sky. Within seconds, the ground beneath the bridge collapsed, causing the piers to tilt and the span to collapse into the river.

NEW: 758-meter-long Hongqi bridge in the southwestern province of Sichuan, China collapses just months after opening.

Construction on the Chinese bridge had finished earlier this year, according to Reuters.

The collapse of the bridge was reported by… pic.twitter.com/fyxMAW9JNN
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Authorities closed the 758-meter-long bridge on Monday afternoon after discovering cracks on slopes and nearby roads, along with signs of changing terrain signaling potential danger.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the collapse was caused by geological instability and landslides on steep slopes. Rescue and relief teams have been dispatched to the scene to assess the damage and ensure safety.

The Hongqi Bridge, built by Sichuan Road & Bridge Group, was completed earlier this year and recently opened to traffic. According to a video posted on social media by the contractor, Sichuan Road & Bridge Group, the project was completed earlier this year.

An article published in the People's Daily last month mentioned the Hongqi Bridge as one of "a series of new bridges" that have attracted "widespread public attention." The website said the bridge has eased rush-hour congestion and improved "urban mobility."

Source: https://congluan.vn/lo-dat-khien-cay-cau-moi-khanh-thanh-cua-trung-quoc-sup-do-10317447.html