**Kuwait Bridge Collapse: A Nation in Shock**
**Kuwait Bridge Collapse: A Nation in Shock**
In a devastating turn of events, Kuwait is reeling from a catastrophic incident that occurred early on the morning of Monday, May 26, 2025. The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway, a critical infrastructure project linking Kuwait City to the northern region of Subiya, experienced a sudden and unexpected collapse. The collapse resulted in multiple vehicles plunging into the waters below, leading to a significant loss of life and raising urgent questions about the safety and maintenance of the country’s infrastructure.([Gulf News][1])
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### **The Collapse: A Tragic Event**
At approximately 3:00 AM local time, a section of the Sheikh Jaber Causeway, one of the world’s longest sea bridges, gave way without warning. The causeway, which spans 36 kilometers (22 miles), connects Kuwait City to the northern desert area of Subiya, where the ambitious “Silk City” project is underway. The collapse sent several vehicles into the waters of Kuwait Bay, resulting in numerous casualties. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, rescuing several individuals from the wreckage. However, the exact number of fatalities remains uncertain as recovery operations continue.([Arab News][2], [Gulf News][1])
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### **Immediate Response and Casualties**
In the aftermath of the collapse, Kuwaiti authorities mobilized emergency response teams to the site. Rescue operations were launched promptly, with divers and medical personnel working tirelessly to retrieve survivors and recover the deceased. The collapse has caused significant traffic disruptions, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area and follow official instructions. Hospitals in the vicinity have been placed on high alert, and additional medical staff have been called in to assist with the influx of casualties.
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### **Investigation and Concerns Over Infrastructure Safety**
The Kuwaiti government has initiated an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest a structural failure, but experts caution that it is too early to determine the exact cause. The Sheikh Jaber Causeway, inaugurated in 2019, has previously faced scrutiny over safety concerns. Reports have highlighted issues such as malfunctioning surveillance cameras and a rise in accidents on the bridge. In 2023, a ban was imposed on cycling and walking on the bridge due to an increase in traffic-related incidents. These concerns have raised questions about the maintenance and oversight of critical infrastructure in the country.
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### **The Sheikh Jaber Causeway: A Symbol of Ambition**
The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway was inaugurated as part of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, aiming to transform the country into a financial, commercial, and cultural hub. The \$3.6 billion project was designed by the Paris-based engineering and consulting group Systra and built by a consortium led by South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company along with Kuwait’s Combined Group Contracting Company. The causeway was intended to cut the driving time between Kuwait City and Subiya from over two hours to just under 30 minutes, facilitating the development of the Silk City project, which encompasses an international airport, a duty-free area linked to Mubarak Al-Kabir Port on Boubyan Island, business, leisure, and hospitality centers, and residential areas accommodating over 700,000 people. ([Wikipedia][3], [Times Kuwait][4])
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### **A History of Distress: Suicide Attempts on the Bridge**
Since its inauguration in May 2019, the Sheikh Jaber Causeway has tragically emerged as a site of distress due to a significant number of suicide attempts. According to reports, the bridge has witnessed at least ten suicide attempts, with some resulting in fatalities. The most recent incident involved an individual who jumped off the bridge but was rescued by the fire department. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the psychological well-being of residents and underscore the urgent need for effective preventive measures. ([Gulf News][5])
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### **National and International Reactions**
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Kuwait and the international community. Leaders worldwide have expressed their condolences, and messages of support have poured in from various nations. The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about infrastructure safety and the need for stringent maintenance protocols. The collapse has underscored the importance of regular inspections and the implementation of safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
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### **Ongoing Developments**
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are working to clear the debris and restore access to the bridge. The Kuwaiti government has pledged full support to the victims and their families, offering assistance and resources during this challenging time. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have promised transparency in the findings. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of infrastructure safety standards and maintenance practices across the country.
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### **A Call for Accountability and Reform**
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous infrastructure maintenance and the need for continuous oversight to ensure public safety. The Sheikh Jaber Causeway was envisioned as a symbol of Kuwait’s ambition and progress, but its collapse has cast a shadow over that vision. It is imperative that authorities take swift and decisive action to address the underlying issues contributing to this disaster and implement reforms to prevent future occurrences.([arabtimes][6])
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Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.