Tragic Collapse of Vadodara Bridge Causes Casualties, Vehicles Plunge

Vadodara, July 9 (PTI): Three individuals lost their lives, and five others were rescued following the collapse of a section of a four-decade-old bridge in Gujarat's Vadodara district, causing several vehicles to plunge into a river on Wednesday morning, officials reported.

Gujarat's Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, indicated that the disaster occurred when a slab of the Gambhira bridge, located on the Mahisagar River, collapsed. This bridge serves as a critical connection between the central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions. As a result, five to six vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, fell into the river.

"Three people have died, and five others have been rescued," Patel informed the media.

He mentioned that the bridge, built in 1985, underwent maintenance periodically as needed. "The exact cause of the incident will be investigated," the minister assured.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed technical experts to visit the site and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the collapse, as stated by the minister.

Visuals of the incident reveal that the entire bridge slab between two piers had collapsed.

The mishap took place at approximately 7:30 a.m., as confirmed by Padra police inspector Vijay Charan. Rescue teams from the Vadodara fire department, along with local residents, participated in ongoing rescue operations at the scene, according to an official.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team also departed for the site equipped with rescue gear.

The Gambhira bridge, inaugurated in 1985, spans 900 meters with 23 piers and connects the Vadodara and Anand districts of Gujarat.

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