Bridge collapses in Xiaogan, China — car swept away into river

A bridge collapsed in Xiaogan, China, sending a car into the river below. The vehicle's driver and passengers managed to escape before the structure gave way. The incident was captured on video.

A dramatic bridge collapse in Xiaogan, China, sent a car plunging into a river, though the occupants managed to escape before the structure failed entirely. Footage of the incident circulated widely, showing the moment the bridge gave way beneath the vehicle.

The driver and passengers were able to exit the car in time, avoiding what could have been a fatal outcome. Authorities in Xiaogan are investigating the cause of the collapse, which raises concerns about the structural integrity of ageing infrastructure in the region.

Bridge collapses have been a recurring issue in parts of China, where rapid development and heavy use have put strain on older structures. Incidents like this one often prompt renewed calls for more rigorous safety inspections and maintenance of public infrastructure.