China's Longest Wooden Arch Bridge Collapses in Storm, Killing One

A severe storm on July 31 caused the collapse of the Fuqing Bridge in Zhejiang province, China, resulting in one fatality. The bridge, located in Nanpuxi Town, was the longest wooden arch-and-gallery bridge in the country and had only been completed in 2020.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. during a period of intense thunderstorms and high winds. Approximately one-third of the bridge's deck gave way, sending two people into the water. Rescuers managed to save one individual who was not in critical condition, but the second person was later found deceased despite emergency medical efforts.

This recent collapse adds a tragic chapter to the bridge's history. Originally known as Yixia Bridge, it was first completed in 1848. It was rebuilt and renamed Fuqing Bridge in 1880 after being washed away by floods. However, it was destroyed again by typhoon floods in 1990. A local fundraising initiative began in 2013, leading to the construction of the current 154.4-meter-long bridge, which was finished in 2020.

The recurring vulnerability of the Fuqing Bridge to natural disasters highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining historical structures in regions prone to extreme weather. The loss of life underscores the dangers posed by such events, even to relatively recently reconstructed landmarks.