At least 5 dead, 24 injured at popular China tourist spot after suspension bridge cable snaps

A suspension bridge accident at a popular tourist spot in Xinjiang, China, has left five people dead and 24 injured.

Footage of the aftermath of the bridge has gone viral

Footage of the aftermath of the bridge has since been circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

One of the videos showed the low-hanging suspension bridge noticeably tilted to one side, hanging over a river with what appears to be a strong, fast-moving current.

Another video showed tourists trying to balance on the bridge by clinging onto the remaining suspended side of the bridge and attempting to cross to safety.

In one of the videos, one of the casualties was lying on a makeshift stretcher and was being carried onto a tram.

Suspension bridge cable snapped

According to China Daily, the accident occurred on Aug. 7 at Xiata Scenic Area in Zhaosu county, part of northern Xinjiang's Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture.

The site is a popular tourist destination and is known for its natural, scenic views.

At about 6:18pm, one of the bridge's suspension cables snapped, causing the bridge deck to tilt sharply and send 29 people falling off the bridge.

24 people were injured in total, with at least two suffering major injuries, and they were all sent to local hospitals to receive further medical treatment.

Citing local news outlet Jiemian News, Global Times reported that the bridge was identified as Jiangjun bridge.

A similar incident had occurred on Jun. 19, 2024, when one of the suspension cables had also snapped and caused the bridge deck to tilt.

Investigations are ongoing

Upon receiving the report, the Office of the Work Safety Commission under China's State Council formed a joint working group with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the group was dispatched to the scene, Xinhua reported.

The group assisted local authorities in treating those who were injured and guided on-site response.

They also aided local authorities in investigating the cause of the accident.

Police have temporarily closed Xiata Scenic Area pending safety investigations, and investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

Top photos via 黄西炮/Weibo