Five Dead, 24 Injured in Xinjiang Suspension Bridge Collapse

A tragic incident occurred at the Xiata Scenic Area in Zhaosu County, located within China’s Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, when a suspension bridge collapsed, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to at least twenty-four others. The accident took place on August 6, 2023, at approximately 18:00 local time, when a cable on the bridge reportedly snapped, causing the structure to tilt sharply and sending a total of 29 people off the side.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, the bridge’s sudden failure prompted immediate emergency response efforts. Twenty-four people sustained injuries, with two reported as serious. All injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. Footage shared on the Chinese short-video platform Douyin showed the aftermath, depicting the bridge at an alarming angle and stranded tourists attempting to navigate to safety.

One eyewitness, a tour guide named Yun Shang, recounted his experience during the incident. He was leading a group at the scenic site when the collapse occurred. “Fortunately, there was a soldier from the navy in our tour group, who immediately went to help the injured,” Yun stated. He further expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of his group in assisting with rescue operations and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety precautions while traveling. “We also urge all tourists to pay attention to personal safety while travelling and abide by the rules,” he added.

Reports from domestic news outlet Jiemian News identified the bridge as the Jiangjun Bridge. This structure had previously experienced a similar incident in 2024, when a suspension cable snapped, causing the deck to tilt, though that event resulted in no injuries.

In the wake of the collapse, local authorities have closed the Xiata Scenic Area temporarily to conduct thorough safety inspections and investigate the cause of the accident. The reopening date for the site will be announced following the completion of these assessments. The tragic event has raised significant concerns about safety standards at popular tourist destinations, prompting discussions on the need for stringent regulations to ensure the well-being of visitors.

As investigations continue, the community and officials remain focused on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.