China’s Hongqi Bridge Collapses in Sichuan After Landslides

A newly built highway bridge in Sichuan province, China, suffered a dramatic collapse on 11 November 2025 after a series of landslides hit a weakened mountainside above it. The Hongqi Bridge, measuring 758 metres, was a vital transport link between Sichuan, central China, and the Tibetan Plateau. Fortunately, the bridge had been closed to traffic hours before the disaster, preventing any loss of life.

China’s Hongqi Bridge Collapses in Sichuan After Landslides

How the Collapse Happened

The Hongqi Bridge in Maerkang gave way when heavy landslides struck the slope overlooking the bridge. Video footage captured the moment when massive debris crashed onto the structure, breaking apart the bridge deck and causing it to plunge into the river below.
The impact also destroyed the approach road, leaving the valley filled with dust and rubble.

Early Warnings and Preventive Action

Engineers had noticed cracks on the nearby slopes and roads a day before the incident. Geological stress and ground movement signals indicated a potential collapse.
Authorities responded quickly by closing the bridge, citing high risk. This timely decision ensured that no vehicles or people were on the bridge during the landslides, avoiding a major disaster.

Structural Background and Investigation

The bridge was completed earlier in 2025 by the Sichuan Road & Bridge Group as part of a national project to improve transport across western China’s mountains.
Initial investigations suggest that while the landslides triggered the collapse, there may have been structural weaknesses or design flaws that worsened the damage.
Experts are now conducting geological surveys and reviewing construction and slope monitoring protocols to prevent similar failures in the future.

Regional Impact

The collapse has disrupted a major transportation corridor that connects Sichuan province with the Tibetan Plateau and central China.
This route is crucial for passenger movement, freight delivery, and regional development. Authorities are working to:

• Identify safe alternative routes for travel and logistics.
• Plan the reconstruction of the damaged bridge.
• Conduct safety inspections on other bridges in similar mountainous areas.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• The Hongqi Bridge was 758 metres long, connecting Sichuan and the Tibetan Plateau.
• The collapse occurred on 11 November 2025 after massive landslides.
• The bridge had been closed in advance due to visible cracks and ground instability.
• No casualties were reported thanks to early warnings.
• Built by Sichuan Road & Bridge Group, the bridge was part of a national highway project.

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Question & Answer

Q1. In which province of China did the Hongqi Bridge collapse occur?
(a) Yunnan
(b) Sichuan
(c) Qinghai
(d) Gansu
Answer: Sichuan

Q2. What was the total length of the Hongqi Bridge that collapsed in November 2025?
(a) 500 metres
(b) 758 metres
(c) 1,000 metres
(d) 680 metres
Answer: 758 metres

Q3. What was the primary cause of the Hongqi Bridge collapse?
(a) Earthquake
(b) Design flaw
(c) Landslides from a weakened mountainside
(d) Flooding
Answer: Landslides from a weakened mountainside

Q4. Which company constructed the Hongqi Bridge?
(a) China Railway Construction Group
(b) Sichuan Road & Bridge Group
(c) China Communications Construction Company
(d) Beijing Infrastructure Ltd.
Answer: Sichuan Road & Bridge Group

Q5. Why were there no casualties during the Hongqi Bridge collapse?
(a) The bridge was empty due to bad weather
(b) The bridge was closed before the incident
(c) Emergency evacuation was conducted afterward
(d) The collapse occurred late at night
Answer: The bridge was closed before the incident

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