Panic, Grief Grip Residents As Newly Inaugurated Bridge Collapses, Sending A Vehicle Into The Depth Below

 

OrionTimes News Desk

A major bridge in China’s Sichuan Province collapsed into a river just months after it was opened to the public. The Hongqi Bridge, measuring 758 meters long, gave way suddenly on Monday, sending vehicles plunging into the water below.

Authorities said no casualties had been confirmed but acknowledged that several vehicles were missing. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors and secure the area.

The collapse has sparked outrage on Chinese social media, with many questioning the quality of construction and oversight in public infrastructure projects. Local officials have promised a full investigation into possible design or material flaws.

Built as part of a regional development initiative, the bridge was inaugurated earlier this year to improve connectivity in southwest China. The disaster has reignited debate about corruption and safety standards in the country’s construction industry.