Recently, in Chongqing Chengkou County, a suspension bridge was overturned by strong winds, resulting in the tragic death of a barefoot doctor in his 70s who was crossing the bridge, sparking widespread concern on the internet.
According to reports from mainland Chinese media, around 1 p.m. on July 17th, Chengkou County’s Xiuqi Town, Xiangping Village experienced severe convective weather, with strong winds causing a suspension bridge to collapse, leading to the elderly person falling to his death on the sand below. The victim was identified as a barefoot doctor in his 70s from the local area, known for providing medicine to villagers when they fell ill.
Eyewitnesses described that the elderly man did not encounter strong winds as he initially crossed the bridge, but was suddenly hit by a gust of wind in the middle of the bridge, leaving him in a difficult situation with tragic consequences.
Officials from Xiuqi Town government stated that the bridge has been sealed off for now, pending confirmation from a third-party organization on whether it should be dismantled or repaired.
On July 18th, journalists spoke to a village cadre from Xiangping Village in Xiuqi Town, who clarified that the victim was not a resident of Xiangping Village but lived in the neighboring Pipa Village. The suspension bridge had been in place for several years over the Ren River, and regular maintenance was carried out.
When asked for more specific information about the elderly man, the village cadre mentioned that they were in a meeting and promptly ended the call. Attempts to reach the Pipa Village committee for details about the victim were unsuccessful.
The suspension bridge, built in the 1990s, served as the sole pedestrian passage between the two villages, accommodating around 2,000 villagers for daily commuting, including hundreds of students crossing the river for schooling. Villagers had long been advocating for the construction of a vehicular bridge for safer crossing over the river.
This incident has sparked widespread attention online. Internet users criticized the situation, questioning why there was a consideration between repairing or dismantling the bridge. Some remarked on the lack of progress in technology when such bridges still posed risks. Comments highlighted the need for prioritizing infrastructure development to benefit the public.
The term “barefoot doctor” refers to medical practitioners who, during the Cultural Revolution, received brief medical training before going to rural areas to provide healthcare services. Typically without formal medical qualifications, these individuals engaged in farming duties during agricultural seasons and provided medical assistance in their spare time, embodying a blend of agricultural and medical work.
The barefoot doctor’s dedication to serving the community, especially in rural areas, resonated with many, recognizing the challenges and sacrifices made by individuals committed to providing healthcare services under challenging circumstances.