Newly opened bridge collapses in southwest China after terrain shifts

A recently opened bridge in Sichuan province partially collapsed after cracks appeared on nearby slopes, triggering landslides but no casualties

MAERKANG: Part of a recently opened bridge collapsed in China’s southwestern Sichuan province on Tuesday.

The incident occurred along a national highway linking the country’s heartland with Tibet, according to local authorities.

No casualties were reported from the partial collapse.

Police in Maerkang city had closed the 758-metre-long Hongqi bridge to all traffic on Monday afternoon.

The closure came after cracks appeared on nearby slopes and roads, with shifts observed in the mountain terrain.

The approach bridge and roadbed collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, triggering landslides.

Construction of the bridge finished earlier this year, according to contractor Sichuan Road and Bridge Group.

The company had posted a video on social media showing the completed structure before the incident. – Reuters