Mudslide in Swiss Alps Isolates Village, Destroying Temporary Bridge

Mudslide Destroys Bridge in Swiss Alps, Isolating Village A significant mudslide in the Val de Bagnes region of Switzerland's Valais canton has destroyed a temporary bridge, effectively isolating the village of Lourtier from Champsec. The incident, captured on video, occurred on June 2nd, 2025, and has prompted the local municipality to declare the situation as "tense." Access routes between Lourtier and Champsec remain closed. "The situation is tense," stated a spokesperson for the Val de Bagnes municipality in a press release. "All access roads are currently blocked, and we are working to assess the situation and restore access as quickly and safely as possible." The video shows the powerful force of the mudslide, which completely washed away the temporary bridge. This bridge, constructed in July 2024, was designed to withstand significant water flow, but the intensity of the recent mudslide proved too much. The design of the bridge, intended to yield under extreme pressure, likely prevented more extensive damage downstream. Emergency services are on site, working to clear the debris and assess the full extent of the damage. Efforts are underway to restore access to Lourtier, and the municipality is providing updates through official channels. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness in mountainous regions.