Newly Built China Bridge Collapses in Seconds During Stress Test
A newly constructed bridge in Guangdong province partially collapsed during a load-bearing test, with the entire failure captured in a viral video. The structure buckled within seconds, plunging debris into the river below. Authorities confirmed the bridge was still under construction and unused by the public, though the incident has intensified scrutiny of China’s infrastructure standards.
How Did the Bridge Collapse Happen?
The footage, shared widely on Weibo and Twitter, shows the abrupt collapse during what appears to be a stress test. Engineers and netizens have speculated about the causes:
– Material Deficiencies: Suspected use of subpar concrete or steel to cut costs.
– Design Errors: Potential miscalculations in load-bearing capacity.
– Rushed Timelines: China’s rapid construction pace may have bypassed safety checks.
Local officials announced an investigation, but public trust is low amid a history of similar failures.
Public Backlash and Demands for Transparency
The hashtag #BridgeCollapse trended on Chinese social media, with users criticizing corruption and lax oversight. Comments like “Tofu-dreg projects endanger lives!” referenced prior infrastructure disasters, including:
– The 2012 Harbin bridge collapse (3 deaths)
– A 2019 Jiangsu highway sinking
– Frequent reports of crumbling public works
China’s Infrastructure Boom Under Scrutiny
The incident raises concerns about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), where China exports its construction model globally. Critics argue speed prioritization risks safety. Authorities pledged to rebuild the bridge with stricter controls, but experts demand accountability: “Investigations must lead to prosecutions, not just press releases,” said an anonymous engineer.
Conclusion: A Reckoning for Construction Standards?
While China’s infrastructure achievements are undeniable, this collapse underscores the need for rigorous quality assurance. As investigations continue, the global community watches for systemic reforms—or more preventable failures.
Follow updates on this developing story at NextMinuteNews.
