In Jiangsu Province, China, the under-construction Xiangshui Yuangang Bridge in Yancheng City suddenly collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least 5 people. This bridge was a key water transportation project in the local area. As a crucial node of a key project in Jiangsu Province, the bridge collapsed just before its completion, causing strong shock in society. The construction company, China Railway 12th Bureau Group, has been exposed for its “safety black history.”
According to Xinjing Daily, on February 2nd at 17:46, during the final stage of construction by China Railway 12th Bureau Group, the entire connecting handle arch beam of the Yuangang Bridge collapsed, with about 20 workers on the bridge conducting operations like steel tying and concrete pouring. The collapse resulted in the death of 5 individuals, with 2 seriously injured workers who later died in the hospital and 3 missing workers whose bodies were recovered. The collapse caused the bridge to fracture in a V-shape, with a loud noise heard up to 300 meters away, causing concrete trucks to overturn and a large amount of construction materials to fall into the river.
A netizen claiming to be a member of the construction team, “San San Ge,” posted on social media on the day of the incident, saying, “Finished the plastering, then off for a break.”
Since August 2025, “San San Ge” had been continuously updating the progress of the construction of the Yuangang Bridge on a short video platform. His hopeful final message left many netizens sighing.
Southern Weekend reported that a video displayed by Zhong Yuqin (pseudonym), a villager in Dawei Village, Xiangshui County, Jiangsu Province, showed the collapse of the bridge’s deck under construction. The components of two large ships used to support the bridge deck were shattered, leaving only two large empty shells visible from the shore. Dust surrounded the collapsed deck on the opposite bank, with a crane overturned, and the lifting arm plummeted into the water. This video was shared in a WeChat group of villagers by an eyewitness.
Chao News reported that the main part of the bridge had completely collapsed.
Multiple villagers expressed that the Yuangang Bridge connected both sides of the Tongyu River and was a necessary route for convenient travel between the east and west banks. While the old bridge was still standing, it not only facilitated transportation but also saved a considerable amount of time. After the old bridge was demolished for reconstruction last year, villagers had to detour about 10 kilometers to reach the opposite bank, resulting in inconvenience, especially for walking.
“A villager said, ‘We were looking forward to the new bridge being opened. Everyone in the village is concerned about the situation at the scene after the accident.”
Continued…