Tragic Bridge Collapse in Gujarat Claims Nine Lives, Sparks High-Level Probe

In a heartbreaking incident early Wednesday morning, at least nine people lost their lives and five others sustained injuries when a 43-year-old bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s #Vadodara district.

The collapse occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m., as commuters were crossing the #Gambhira bridge, which spans the #Mahisagar River near Mujpur village.

 

The bridge, a vital link between the Vadodara and Anand districts, served as a major transportation corridor connecting Central Gujarat with the Saurashtra region.

The sudden collapse has not only resulted in tragic human loss but has also severely disrupted connectivity in the region.

Authorities reported that a large concrete slab between two piers gave way as multiple vehicles were in transit. These included two trucks, a pickup van, an Eeco van, and an auto-rickshaw, all of which plunged into the river below as the structure crumbled.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with rapid response teams from the Vadodara Fire Department, the #NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), and local administrative bodies rushing to the scene.

Divers, cranes, and heavy excavation machinery were deployed in a coordinated effort to retrieve the trapped victims and clear the debris. The mission continued for hours as teams combed through the wreckage in a race against time.

Prime Minister #NarendraModi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Offering condolences to the grieving families, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured, to be disbursed from the #PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund).

“The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister’s Office shared in an official post on X (formerly Twitter).

In response to the calamity, Gujarat Chief Minister #BhupendraPatel conveyed his condolences and declared an additional compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. He emphasized the importance of understanding the structural failure that led to the collapse.

“A high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the incident. #TechnicalExperts have been directed to visit the location, inspect the damage, and submit a detailed report on what led to the failure,” the Chief Minister stated.

This tragedy has raised pressing questions about the maintenance and structural integrity of aging infrastructure across Gujarat and other parts of India. As the investigation proceeds, families of the victims await justice and accountability.

The state and central governments have pledged full support to the victims and assured that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.

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