[Today’s Prayer] Bridge Collapse in Hualong County, Qinghai, China: 12 Dead, 4 Missing

On the 22nd, in China’s northwestern Qinghai Province, a large railway bridge under construction collapsed, and as of the 23rd the death toll has risen to 12 with 4 missing.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV earlier reported that around 3:10 a.m. on the 22nd (local time), a steel cable snapped at the construction site of the Jianzha Yellow River Railway Bridge of the Sichuan–Qinghai Railway in Hualong County, Qinghai, causing workers to fall into the river. At the time, 16 people—including 15 workers and 1 site manager—were on site. Of these, 7 were initially reported dead and 9 missing.

Authorities have deployed boats, helicopters, and robots to continue search operations.

(...omitted...)

The bridge, a key section of the Sichuan–Qinghai Railway, spans 1,596 meters. Its deck is 55 meters above the water, and the height from the arch’s peak to the water surface reaches about 130 meters (equivalent to a 40-story building). Construction began in 2023, and after topping out in June, it was scheduled for completion this month.

China has seen a series of major industrial accidents due to poor safety management and lack of regulation. In December last year, a collapse at a large railway construction site in Shenzhen also resulted in significant casualties.

Source: Newsis

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:11)

Lord God, we hear the sorrowful news that a large railway bridge under construction in Qinghai Province has collapsed, killing 12 and leaving 4 missing.

We ask You to visit the grieving families of the deceased workers, bringing comfort to their hearts, and to be present in the ongoing search so that the 4 still missing may be found quickly.

Lord, You know the hearts of those in China who have lost loved ones in repeated industrial disasters, and the worries of workers who fear future accidents. May the gospel of Jesus Christ be planted in the midst of sorrow and anxiety, and may true peace fill their hearts.

We pray that the Chinese church will join together in tearful prayer, asking for God’s comfort upon this nation. May that comfort be delivered through the church to the souls and families affected by this tragedy, and may the restoration that only You can give—beyond what the world offers—be poured out.

We also pray that no great harm will come to the neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region, which borders Qinghai, and where Tibetans and Hui people live. Lord, protect this land and its people.

May the day come quickly when, as the Chinese church advances with the gospel, not only China’s minority peoples but also all nations suffering in pain will rejoice and sing praises to the name of Jesus Christ!