A section of National Highway 317 in Sichuan province witnessed a collapse on Tuesday afternoon due to a mountain slope failure, though authorities confirmed that there have been no reported casualties. The incident occurred near the Hongqi Bridge in Maerkang city, where the first signs of trouble surfaced on Monday when local inspections revealed slope deformation.
Around 5:25 PM on Monday, local officials detected potential risks and promptly initiated an emergency response. Teams from public security, transportation, and natural resources quickly mobilized to assess the situation and implemented safety measures. By 11:00 PM, all vehicles stranded in the area were safely evacuated, and warning signs were established to prevent unauthorized access.
Authorities also released a traffic control notice to inform the public and facilitate safe detours. These proactive measures contributed to ensuring public safety during this precarious situation.
However, on Tuesday, conditions worsened as the slope deformation continued to progress, leading to a landslide that resulted in the collapse of the roadway and parts of the bridge. Dramatic footage shared online captured the magnitude of the disaster, revealing plumes of smoke and dust rising from the site.
At this time, there is no timeline available for the reopening of Highway 317, and all vehicles are being directed to follow specified detour routes until further notice.
This incident underscores the importance of early detection and rapid response in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Local authorities are commended for their swift actions that prevented injuries and ensured public safety during this challenging event.