Suspension Bridge Collapses at Famous Chinese Tourist Site, Over 20 Fall and 5 Dead

Cable of Suspension Bridge Snaps at Chinese Tourist Site
Dozens Dead or Injured in Xinjiang Accident
Eyewitnesses Describe Sudden Collapse and Chaos

An accident occurred at a famous tourist site in China when the cable of a suspension bridge snapped, causing the deck to tilt and resulting in dozens of casualties.

According to Chinese media outlets Pengpai and Global Times on August 7 (local time), the previous day, a suspension bridge at the Shata tourist site in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, broke, causing tourists on the bridge to fall. It has been reported that 5 people died and 24 were injured in the incident.

At a tourist site in Xinjiang, China, the suspension bridge cable snapped, resulting in 29 casualties. Photo by Yonhap News and Pengpai

An eyewitness explained, "The steel cable installed on the right side of the bridge suddenly snapped, causing some tourists to fall into the river or onto the rocks below, while others were left stranded on the bridge." A social media user who claimed to be at the scene argued that as the wind was blowing, tourists walking on the bridge shook the structure, which may have caused the loss of balance.

The bridge where the accident occurred had gained online fame for its sense of thrill. However, a similar accident happened at the same site in June last year, causing tourists to fall, and at that time, the site operators stated they would strengthen inspections. The tourist site is currently closed, and authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident.

Pengpai added that this incident has raised concerns about the safety of thrill-oriented tourist facilities, such as suspension bridges and glass walkways built along steep cliffs.