AHMEDABAD: A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, resulting of at least nine individuals and the rescue of five others after multiple vehicles plunged into a river due to the collapse of a section of the Gambhira Bridge, which has stood for four decades near Mujpur, according to officials.
The collapse happened suddenly, sending two trucks, a pickup van, and another vehicle into the raging river below. In a matter of moments, villagers flocked to the site, soon joined by police and rescue teams.
The Vadodara Collector reported, “As of now, nine individuals have perished. We have successfully removed two trucks, a pickup van, an auto-rickshaw, and an Eco vehicle that fell into the river, along with two other vehicles that were stranded on the bridge. The injured have been transported to CHC centers.”
Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that the bridge, which spans the river connecting central Gujarat and the Saurashtra regions of the state, had received regular maintenance over the years.
What adds a troubling dimension to this catastrophe is the somber history of the Gambhira Bridge, which has long been referred to locally as a “suicide point.” Nevertheless, in spite of its notorious reputation and age, no significant reinforcements had been undertaken, prompting serious concerns regarding structural oversight.
Vadodara R&B Executive Engineer N. M. Nayakawala stated, “The Gambhira Bridge was constructed in 1985 and is expected to last for 100 years. It was not in a state of disrepair.
Maintenance activities were performed last year, and potholes were addressed this year as well. Our inspection report did not reveal any significant structural issues. The bridge was deemed safe. The precise reason for the collapse will only be determined once the comprehensive report is submitted.”
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed technical specialists to arrive at the site and carry out a detailed investigation into the reasons behind the collapse.
A team from the National Disaster Response Force has also been sent to the location equipped with rescue tools, according to officials.
As rescue and recovery efforts persist, concerns arise regarding administrative negligence and the substantial consequences of prolonged inaction.
