Gujarat Bridge Collapse
In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Wednesday in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, a portion of the decades-old Gambhira bridge crumbled, sending multiple vehicles hurtling into the Mahisagar River below. At least nine lives have been lost in the disaster, while several others remain critically injured.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse
A chilling video from the site captures the aftermath: two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van lie partially submerged, victims of a collapsed slab between two bridge piers. A massive tanker truck teetered perilously on the broken edge frozen in a near fall.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse
The 900-metre-long bridge, built in 1985 and supported by 23 piers, links Vadodara and Anand districts. Though officials claimed maintenance had been performed “as and when required,” questions are now being raised about the structural integrity and oversight of the aging infrastructure.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse
Emergency responders sprang into action, with rescue teams from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), the Emergency Response Centre, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police working through the wreckage. Five survivors were rescued and are undergoing treatment.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse
Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel assured that the exact cause of the collapse would be thoroughly investigated. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has deployed technical experts to examine the site and lead the probe.
The incident draws eerie parallels to the 2022 Morbi bridge collapse, where around 140 people lost their lives. This latest tragedy underscores urgent concerns about bridge safety across the state.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
