At Least 9 Dead as Bridge Collapses in Gujarat's Vadodara
A four-decade-old bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed during morning traffic, killing at least nine people and injuring six. Several vehicles, including trucks and a van, plunged into the river. The Gambhira bridge, which connects Vadodara and Anand districts, gave way around 7:30 am. The National Disaster Response Force and local teams are conducting rescue operations. The state government has announced compensation for the victims' families and ordered a technical investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Unpacked:
The Gambhira bridge was built in 1985 with an intended lifespan of 100 years. Officials stated it was not considered dilapidated and had undergone periodic maintenance. Despite this, locals noted the bridge had a reputation as a 'suicide point' and raised concerns about a lack of major reinforcements, highlighting potential structural neglect.
The vehicles that fell into the Mahisagar River included two trucks, a Bolero SUV, a pickup van, and an auto-rickshaw. Between five and ten people were rescued and taken to hospitals for treatment, while nine fatalities were confirmed as of the latest reports.
The Gujarat Chief Minister ordered an immediate technical investigation, dispatching a team of experts including chief engineers and private bridge specialists to assess the collapse. The Roads and Buildings Department was instructed to submit a preliminary technical report, and rescue operations continue as the site remains cordoned off for safety and evidence collection.
While officials maintained the bridge was structurally sound and regularly maintained, local residents expressed concerns due to the bridge’s age and lack of major reinforcement. Its reputation as a 'suicide point' also raised questions about oversight of its safety, though no major recent incidents were reported before the collapse.