See China's Hongqi Bridge Collapse Video & How it Collapsed

China's Hongqi Bridge Collapsed: The Hongqi Bridge located in Sichuan Province, China, partially collapsed. This recently built, 758-meter-long bridge is part of a vital highway linking Central China to Tibet, and its failure has sent shockwaves across the news circuit.

China Hongqi Bridge Collapse Video

The collapse took place just months after the bridge was opened in September 2025. Fortunately, the bridge was already closed following the detection of cracks and ground shifts the day before. This closure ensured that no vehicles or pedestrians were on the bridge at the time, preventing any casualties.

Videos show a massive plume of dust rising as tons of concrete fell into a river below. The portion of the bridge that collapsed includes the approach spans, which are critical for safe access. Local officials quickly initiated an emergency response and launched a thorough investigation into the cause.

Why Did the Hongqi Bridge Collapse?

According to experts and preliminary reports, the main reason behind the Hongqi bridge collapse was geological instability. The Hongqi Bridge is situated in a steep mountainous area with complex terrain prone to landslides.

• Landslides: On the afternoon of the collapse, shifting earth and landslides on the hillside above weakened the bridge supports and the connecting roadbed.

• Ground Movement: Cracks were observed in the mountainside and near the road earlier, hinting at imminent failure.

• Geotechnical Challenges: Some engineers believe the design did not fully account for the rock layers’ orientation and the soil’s condition, potentially contributing to reduced stability.

• Heavy Rains: Recent heavy rainfall is suspected to have loosened soil and increased the landslide risk in this area.

How Chinese Authorities Handled the Collapse

After noticing early signs on November 10, officials closed the Hongqi Bridge to traffic to ensure safety. When the collapse happened the next day, they responded swiftly, conducting evacuation and assessment procedures.

At the moment, the highway on which the bridge is located remains closed as engineers evaluate the damage and look for safe repair solutions. No timetable has been set yet for reopening the route, as safety is the top priority for local authorities.

What Is the Significance of the Hongqi Bridge?

The Hongqi Bridge is an important transportation link connecting Sichuan Province with the Tibetan Plateau. It was built to ease travel through rugged mountains and to support economic development and tourism in this remote region.

Its partial collapse raises concerns about infrastructure resilience in mountainous areas, especially given China’s rapid pace of construction projects in challenging landscapes.

Past Issues and Lessons Learned from the Hongqi Bridge Incident

China’s infrastructure often impresses with scale and speed, but incidents like this underline the need for careful geological assessment, quality control, and ongoing maintenance.

Experts advise:

• Improved geotechnical surveys before construction.

• Real-time monitoring of ground movement near bridges and roadways.

• Use of rock bolts or other soil stabilization techniques to prevent landslides.

• Pragmatic design choices factoring in local terrain risks.

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What Are the Next Steps?

Authorities will focus on:

• Full technical analysis of design and construction practices.

• Environmental studies on the mountainside condition.

• Planning for safe reconstruction or repairs.

• Strengthening safety monitoring for other critical bridges nationwide.