758-metre-long Hongqi bridge collapses in southwest China, months after opening

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“Part of the recently opened Hongqi Bridge collapsed in China’s southwestern Sichuan province along National Highway 317 in Maerkang… the 758‑metre‑long structure had been closed to traffic on Monday after cracks appeared on nearby slopes and roads… on Tuesday afternoon conditions worsened, triggering landslides that brought down the approach bridge and roadbed… astonishing footage showed plumes of dust rising as the bridge crumbled, though authorities reported no casualties…” https://metro.co.uk/2025/11/11/astonishing-moment-bridge-collapses-china-months-opening-24679685/

The part about cracks showing up just one day before stands out.

“Local authorities detected slope deformation on the right bank of the Hongqi Bridge at around 5:25 p.m. on November 10, 2025… emergency teams evacuated stranded vehicles by 11 p.m. and set up warning signs… despite precautions, a landslide hit the site on November 11, damaging sections of the bridge… video shared by Chinese media showed plumes of dust rising as part of the bridge gave way…” https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/bridge-collapses-in-southwest-china-months-after-opening-3281946/

Hard to ignore that slope deformation was spotted hours before the collapse once you notice it.

“Police in Maerkang had closed the 758‑metre‑long Hongqi Bridge to all traffic on Monday afternoon… construction of the bridge finished earlier this year, according to a video posted by the contractor Sichuan Road & Bridge Group… on Tuesday afternoon conditions on the mountainside worsened, triggering landslides and leading to the collapse of the approach bridge and roadbed…” https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1368322/Bridge-partially-collapses-in-southwest-China,-months-after-opening