XINING -- The emergency management department of Northwest China's Qinghai province on Wednesday released an investigation report on a fatal bridge construction accident that caused 13 deaths and left three missing on Aug 22, 2025.

The accident, which took place at the site of the bridge under construction on the Qinghai section of the Xining-Chengdu Railway, resulted in direct economic losses of approximately 48.86 million yuan (about $7.11 million).

The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by substandard bolts used in the construction of a temporary tower, together with subpar manufacturing and installation quality of the top distribution beam.

The report also said that the construction, design, supervision and other relevant parties failed to perform their safety production responsibilities adequately, while the industry regulatory authorities did not properly fulfil their supervisory duties.

Eleven individuals charged with causing a major liability accident and the production and sale of substandard products have been transferred to judicial authorities.

A total of 42 officials held accountable have been subjected to disciplinary and administrative sanctions.