Suspension Bridge Collapse in Xinjiang Claims Lives, Prompts Investigation

On the evening of August 6, 2025, a suspension bridge accident occurred at a scenic spot in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of Northwest China. The incident resulted in five fatalities and 24 injuries.

The accident, which happened on Wednesday evening, involved 29 people who fell from the bridge. Two of the injured sustained serious injuries. Local authorities reported that all injured individuals were immediately transported to local hospitals for treatment, and none were in life-threatening condition.

The incident took place at 6:18 pm in Zhaosu county, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. A suspension cable on the bridge snapped, causing the bridge deck to tilt. The scenic spot has been closed, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

Following the report, a joint working group was formed by the Office of the Work Safety Committee of China’s State Council, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The group arrived at the scene overnight to assist local authorities with treating the injured, managing the on-site response, and investigating the cause of the accident. The working group emphasized the importance of learning from the incident, determining the cause, strengthening safety oversight, and preventing similar accidents.

The Xiata scenic area, where the accident occurred, is located in the Kirgiz Ethnic Township of Zhaosu county. The Jiangjun Bridge (General Bridge), a suspension bridge within the area, was the site of the cable failure. A similar incident involving a broken cable and bridge deck tilting had occurred on the same bridge in June 2024.

Witness accounts and videos circulating on social media platforms depict the moment the cable snapped, causing the bridge deck to tilt. Some people fell into the river, others onto rocks, and some were trapped on the bridge. Local herders provided assistance in the rescue efforts.

A tourist described the bridge as having three sections with piers. While walking on the first section, a steel cable snapped, causing the bridge to collapse. The tourist and others trapped on the bridge were rescued later.

Another tourist reported that it was windy at the time of the accident, and some people were shaking the bridge. The rocks in the glacial terrain were rough, and the river water was fast-flowing and icy cold.

The Xiata scenic area has been closed for safety inspection. Rescue efforts were underway, and all tourists had been evacuated.