Cracks in the System: Gujarat Bridge Collapse Claims 10 Lives

Image Source: NDTV

A tragic bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has claimed at least 10 lives, with several others injured or missing, after a section of the 900-meter-long Gambhira Bridge gave way early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 AM on the Padra–Mujpur stretch, a critical link between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River.

Key Highlights:

The collapsed bridge, built in 1985, connected the Anand and Vadodara districts and was a vital route for commercial and passenger traffic.
At least four vehicles, including two trucks, a van, and a car, fell into the river following the structural failure.
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fire brigades, and police, have recovered 10 bodies and rescued several survivors.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a technical investigation into the cause of the collapse and directed immediate support for affected families.

Incident Overview:

Eyewitnesses reported a sudden collapse of the bridge slab between two piers, causing vehicles to plunge into the river without warning.
Locals were the first to respond, followed by coordinated rescue efforts from district authorities of Vadodara and Anand.
The bridge had undergone periodic maintenance, but officials have now called for a structural audit of similar aging infrastructure across the state.

Outlook: As rescue operations continue, the focus shifts to accountability and infrastructure safety. The state government has promised compensation for victims and a thorough probe to prevent future tragedies.

Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Deccan Herald