URUMQI, KOMPAS.com - A cable on a suspension bridge in a tourist area in the Xinjiang region, western China, broke on Wednesday (6/8/2025).

Reporting from CNA on Thursday (7/8/2025), the bridge accident occurred in the Xiata Scenic Area, Zhaosu, which is part of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture.

Xiata Scenic Area is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful natural scenery.

According to CCTV News, at around 6:00 PM the bridge's suspension cables suddenly snapped, causing the deck to tilt sharply and causing 29 people to fall.

Footage circulating on Chinese short video platform Douyin shows the bridge tilting to one side after the incident.

In one clip, trapped tourists are seen clinging to the side of the still-suspended bridge, trying to cross to safety.

A tour guide who was at the scene shared on Douyin that he was guiding a tour group when the accident occurred.

“Fortunately, there was a navy soldier in our tour group, who immediately helped the injured victims,” said tour guide Yun Shang.

Yun said his group was also assisting in rescue efforts and hoped the victims would recover soon.

"We also urge all travelers to pay attention to personal safety while traveling and to comply with regulations," Yun added.

Domestic media Jiemian News referred to the bridge as Jiangjun Bridge, which in 2024 experienced the same incident.

At that time, a suspension cable broke and caused the bridge deck to tilt as well, but no one was injured in the incident.

Number of dead and injured

According to local authorities quoted by Xinhua, this collapsed bridge accident resulted in five people being killed and 24 others being injured.

Among the injured, 22 people suffered minor injuries, while two others suffered serious injuries.

Authorities said none of the injured were in life-threatening condition.

All injured victims were immediately taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Following the incident, local officials have temporarily closed the Xiata Scenic Area for safety inspections and an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The reopening date will be announced later.