Beijing, August 22, 2025 – A major accident occurred in northwest China on Friday when a section of the Jianzha Yellow River Bridge collapsed during construction, killing at least seven people and leaving several others missing.
The incident happened around 3 a.m. local time in Qinghai province. According to reports, a steel cable snapped during a tensioning operation, causing part of the bridge’s main arch to plunge into the Yellow River. At the time of the collapse, 15 workers and a project manager were on-site.
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Casualties and Rescue
- Initial reports confirmed 7 deaths, with 9 missing.
- Later updates suggest the number may have risen to 12 dead and 4 still missing.
- Hundreds of emergency personnel have been deployed with rescue boats, vehicles, and specialized robots.
- Strong river currents and murky waters are making the search difficult.
About the Bridge
The Jianzha Yellow River Bridge is part of the Sichuan–Qinghai Railway. It has been described as the world’s largest-span double-track continuous steel truss arch bridge and is the first railway bridge of its kind to cross the Yellow River.
Safety Concerns
The tragedy has again raised questions about safety standards in China’s rapid infrastructure development. Industrial accidents remain frequent, with experts pointing to lax oversight and vague regulations as key issues.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collapse, and the Ministry of Emergency Management has sent a team to oversee rescue and inquiry operations.
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