As of Friday at 6 pm, twelve fatalities have been confirmed, and four individuals remain missing following a steel cable failure at a bridge construction site in Qinghai province, Northwest China. The incident occurred earlier in the day.
The accident took place around 3 am at the under-construction bridge, part of the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway in Qinghai. Sixteen workers were present at the site when the failure caused a 108-meter steel girder arch rib to collapse, according to reports.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has deployed a team to the site to manage rescue operations and coordinate efforts. The primary focus is on locating those who fell into the water. The ministry has also stated its commitment to determining the cause of the accident swiftly and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.
More than 806 rescuers have been involved in search and rescue efforts since the accident. The operation includes the use of 91 vehicles, 27 boats, a helicopter, and five robots. Additionally, six hospitals have established rapid response channels to provide medical assistance to the victims. Rescue operations and efforts to support affected families are ongoing.
The bridge, situated at the border of Jainca county and Hualong Hui autonomous county, is the first steel truss arch railway bridge in China to span the Yellow River. The bridge's construction was progressing, with the completion of cable towers on June 14. The main bridge was initially scheduled to be joined by the end of the month. The bridge's design involves significant forces and precision, with maximum cable forces reaching the equivalent of 750 small cars. The installation accuracy of the towers is crucial for the safety and success of the steel support beam.
The bridge is a key project of its type on the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway, with a total length exceeding 1,596 meters. The arch's apex is 130 meters above the water's surface, and the deck is 55 meters above the Yellow River.
6 Comments
Karamba
The Yellow River is a significant area. We must think about the possible environmental damage if any materials have polluted.
Rotfront
The support provided to families is very important for the healing process.
Comandante
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that infrastructure projects must prioritize safety over any other factor.
Bella Ciao
What are the compensation plans for affected families? They deserve the best possible support now.
Mariposa
This is utterly devastating. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Questions need to be asked about safety protocols.
Noir Black
The commitment to determining the cause swiftly is reassuring. I am hopeful for an answer.