In Sichuan, China, a tragic industrial accident claimed the lives of no fewer than six workers and left five others injured, according to multiple local media outlets reporting today. The incident unfolded early on a weekday morning as a crane used to lift building materials for a bridge project began to fail, triggering a collapse that scattered metal debris across the bridge deck in Shengfeng village, near the city of Jianyang. Images circulating online show shattered metal pieces and damaged equipment, underscoring the sudden danger faced by crews on site (local media reports).
The collapse interrupted ongoing construction work, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to assist the workers and secure the area. Rescue teams worked through the morning and into the afternoon, recovering injured workers and transporting them to regional hospitals for treatment. Those initially treated were reported to be in stable condition as medical staff continued to monitor their health, according to statements from local officials and responders (official briefings).
Authorities have not released a final casualty tally, and the investigation into the accident’s cause remains active. Preliminary inquiries are focusing on crane operation, load management, and site safety protocols. Experts noted that crane-related incidents can occur when load limits are exceeded, equipment is poorly maintained, or safety procedures are not followed. Investigators are reviewing equipment maintenance records, operator credentials, and on-site witnessing accounts to determine fault and prevent a recurrence (police and safety agency updates).
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about construction-site safety in rapidly developing regions. Officials stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety standards, routine equipment inspections, and robust training for workers who operate heavy machinery. In the wake of such events, authorities typically review regulatory compliance across similar projects and may implement temporary precautions or additional inspections to safeguard workers during critical lifting operations (regional safety authorities).