A bridge in Shunyi District, northeast of Beijing, collapsed on Wednesday following a fire that severely damaged its structure, according to Chinese authorities and widely shared videos on social media.
The municipal transportation committee in Beijing confirmed that no injuries were reported. The bridge had already been closed to traffic before the incident occurred.
Officials said the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning and was later extinguished. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The affected bridge spans the Chaobai River and has now been completely shut down in both directions. Authorities have redirected traffic and set up detours to minimize disruptions.
Videos circulating on Chinese social media platforms show thick columns of gray smoke billowing from the bridge’s sides.
Emergency responders, including police and firefighters, were seen at the site, with roads leading to the bridge sealed off.