UPDATE: A dramatic bridge collapse in China has sent shockwaves through social media as footage of the incident goes viral. The Shuangjiangkou Hongqi Bridge, which opened only months ago, crumbled on November 11, 2025, creating a cloud of dust and debris. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as the bridge, part of a crucial national highway linking Sichuan and Tibet, was closed just one day prior due to visible structural issues.
The bridge, measuring 2,487 feet in length, collapsed seconds after concerns about noticeable cracks emerged in adjacent roads. Authorities had taken immediate action, closing the bridge on November 10 after reports of alarming damage. Videos of the collapse are now trending across news platforms, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The bridge was part of a massive $399 million project, constructed over a 19-month period. Officials confirmed that a detour is currently in place, but the timeline for the bridge’s reopening remains uncertain. The area is known for its seismic activity, leading to questions about the integrity of the structure.
According to the Washington Post, local officials have attributed the collapse to a landslide that “caused the collapse of the roadbed and approach ramp.” Just days before the disaster, the nearby Shuangjiangkou Dam, the tallest hydroelectric dam in the world, held its opening ceremony. However, there is currently no evidence linking the dam’s operations to the bridge’s failure.
The Hongqi Bridge was designed to withstand an 8.0-magnitude earthquake, but its construction pace raised concerns among experts. The Sichuan Road & Bridge Group built the bridge in one of China’s most earthquake-prone regions, which was devastated by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in 2008, claiming over 69,000 lives.
This incident adds to a growing list of catastrophic bridge failures globally. In 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after a cargo ship struck it, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives. Similarly, the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, Italy, collapsed in 2018, killing forty-three individuals due to a combination of neglect and structural issues.
As investigations begin into the cause of the Shuangjiangkou Hongqi Bridge collapse, officials are calling for rigorous safety assessments of similar structures in the region. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as the implications for public safety and infrastructure integrity are profound.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
