A tragic accident at a popular tourist destination in Xinjiang, China, has claimed five lives and left 24 others injured after a suspension bridge cable snapped. The incident occurred on 7 August at the Xiata Scenic Area in Zhaosu County, within northern Xinjiang’s Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture.
According to local media, the Jiangjun Bridge — known for offering panoramic views of the region’s pristine rivers and mountains — suddenly tilted sharply when one of its suspension cables gave way at around 6.18pm. The sudden failure caused 29 people to fall from the bridge deck into the river area below. Videos circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo showed the bridge hanging at a dangerous angle over a fast-flowing current, with tourists clinging to its side in a desperate attempt to reach safety.
Eyewitness footage also captured rescuers carrying injured victims on makeshift stretchers to nearby transport, highlighting the chaos in the immediate aftermath. Among the injured, at least two suffered serious trauma and were rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.
Previous Safety Concerns and Ongoing Probe
This was not the first time the Jiangjun Bridge had experienced a similar fault. On 19 June 2024, one of its suspension cables also snapped, tilting the bridge deck, though that incident did not result in fatalities. The recurrence of such a failure is now fuelling questions about maintenance standards and safety inspections.
Authorities have moved quickly in response. The Office of the Work Safety Commission under China’s State Council, alongside the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, has dispatched a joint investigation team to the scene. Xiata Scenic Area has been temporarily closed to visitors while safety checks and inspections are carried out.
Spotlight on Tourism Safety and Infrastructure Risks
The accident underscores the pressing need for stringent safety measures at tourist attractions, particularly those involving ageing or high-traffic infrastructure. Suspension bridges, while often a major draw for travellers seeking scenic views, carry inherent risks if not maintained to the highest standards.
For the tourism industry, especially in regions dependent on domestic and international visitors, incidents like this can have lasting reputational and economic impacts. For travellers, it is a stark reminder to exercise caution at attractions where safety records are unclear.
With investigations ongoing, the tragedy has sparked nationwide discussions on the importance of proactive inspections, transparent reporting of safety issues, and stricter enforcement of structural standards to prevent future disasters.
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