Global Trends in Bridge Collapse Incidents in 2023: an Analysis of Regional Patterns and Causative Factors

Bridge collapses represent critical failures in infrastructure systems with significant implications for public safety, economic stability, and transportation networks. This paper presents an investigation into the occurrence of bridge collapse incidents worldwide during 2023. Drawing upon a dataset sourced from global news outlets, the study offers an analysis of regional trends and underlying causes, with a view to providing insights for design, construction, and maintenance practices. The study aggregates more than 170 incidents, enabling a reasonably detailed examination of the distribution of bridge collapses across different regions. The paper focuses on extracting statistical patterns and trends, revealing potential hotspots of collapse incidents that warrant further attention and preventive strategies. The findings underscore the urgency of adopting proactive measures to address structural vulnerabilities and systemic shortcomings, contributing to the overall resilience of transportation networks.