China's 'world's largest' glass bridge cracks after being poked by umbrella

A tourist attraction in China's Henan province experienced a frightening incident when a glass-bottomed bridge cracked after being poked by a child's umbrella. The Baoquan scenic area, famous for its glass-themed attractions, saw a panel on its main viewing platform fracture on July 29.

“

The facility is designed with triple-laminated tempered glass, and what broke this time was only the top panel, so there are no problems with structural safety.

The incident occurred when a boy reportedly used his umbrella to poke the glass surface. While the damage was limited to the top layer of the multi-layered glass, it caused immediate alarm among visitors and staff. Tourists were promptly evacuated from the area as a precautionary measure.

Officials from the scenic area emphasized that the bridge is constructed with triple-laminated tempered glass and that the damage does not compromise its structural safety. They assured the public that the incident involved only the uppermost panel.

“

If it can break with just one umbrella, what about tourists wearing high heels?

However, the explanation has not fully appeased public concern. Online discussions reveal skepticism, with netizens questioning the safety standards. Many expressed worries about how the glass would withstand heavier impacts, such as from tourists wearing high heels, and called for stricter safety management beyond minimum national standards, given the potential risks to human life.

“

National standards are just the minimum safety measures; much stricter management is needed when people's lives are at stake.