Gujarat Bridge Collapse: 11 Dead After Vehicles Plunge Into Mahi River

Source : PTI

Gambhira Bridge Collapses in Gujarat’s Padra, 11 Killed as Vehicles Fall Into Mahi River During Heavy Traffic

The Gambhira bridge collapse in Gujarat claimed at least 11 lives, leaving several injured on Wednesday. The incident happened in Vadodara’s Padra after a portion of the bridge collapsed. 

This occurred during heavy traffic, causing multiple vehicles to plunge into the Mahi River. The bridge connects Gujarat’s Vadodara and Anand districts. 

Built in 1985, it has shown signs of structural damage in recent years. Despite repeated complaints from locals, the bridge remained open, a decision now being questioned.

Vehicles Kept Falling One After Another: Eyewitness

Local fisherman Narendra Mali, who was at the river when the bridge collapsed, described the scene as terrifying.

“We heard a big bang and saw part of the bridge collapse,” Mali explained. “Cars just kept falling in one after another. We rowed our boats towards them immediately to attempt to rescue people. But most of them did not make it.”

Mali explained that two trucks, a pickup van, a car, and several motorbikes fell into the river in a matter of seconds.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Immediate rescue operations were initiated by emergency units from the NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire departments. Divers were used to search for missing individuals, while cranes were used to bring back submerged vehicles.

Six victims have been identified thus far: Vaidik Padiyar, Naitik Padiyar, Hasmukh Parmar, Ramesh Padiyar, Wakhasingh Jadhav, and Praveen Jadhav.

“Rescue and recovery is our priority now,” declared Vadodara Collector Anil Dhamelia. “We’ve diverted traffic and are doing everything we can to rescue survivors and recover cars.”

Bridge Was a Known Hazard

Locals claim the bridge has been getting progressively worse over the last few years. Vibrations used to occur every time there was a heavy vehicle on it.

“The bridge used to shake severely when trucks crossed it,” said the villager from Mujpur village. “We complained several times, but no one was serious about it.”

In 2022, BJP MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala suggested that a new bridge should be built. A survey was carried out by the government, but no deadline was fixed, and the old bridge continued in service with only petty repairs.

Compensation Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as ‘deeply saddening’ and declared an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs to the families of the victims and Rs. 50,000 to the injured from the PMNRF.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced, “The state government will pay Rs. 4 lakhs to the families who lost their dear ones. Rs. 50,000 will be paid to every injured individual. We will also bear all medical expenses.”

Congress Blames State Government’s Inaction

The opposition Congress faulted the BJP government.

“This is not an accident, it’s the result of administrative negligence for years,” said senior Congress MLA Amit Chavda. “We pointed out this matter again and again, but no steps were taken. The government has to be fully responsible.”

This is Gujarat’s seventh bridge-related accident since 2021, leaving serious questions about the aging infrastructure in the state.