Death toll rises to 19 in the Gambhira Bridge collapse in Vadodara. Two people are still missing from vehicles that fell into the Mahisagar River. NDRF and SDRF teams are engaged in search operations.
Vadodara Bridge Accident: The death toll in the serious bridge accident in the Vadodara district of Gujarat has risen to 19. On Wednesday, July 9th, around 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge, located on the Mahisagar River near Padra town of Vadodara, suddenly collapsed. A section of the bridge collapsed, causing several vehicles to fall directly into the river. The administration immediately initiated relief work, and 19 bodies have been recovered so far.
Two People Still Missing, Four Injured Hospitalized
The administration has stated that two people are still missing, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working day and night to find them. Four people injured in the accident are being treated at the SSG Hospital in Vadodara. According to Collector Anil Dhamelia, the condition of the injured is stable, and they are under continuous medical observation.
45-Year-Old Man Dies During Treatment in Bridge Accident
On Friday, another injured person died during treatment. The deceased has been identified as Narendra Singh Parmar (45 years old), who was being treated at SSG Hospital. With this, the total number of deaths in the accident has reached 19. There is a wave of grief throughout the area since the accident.
Dilapidated Condition of the Bridge Responsible for the Accident
According to local sources and the administration's initial findings, the bridge's structure was quite old and had become weak. It is being said that continuous water pressure during the monsoon season and the movement of heavy vehicles had weakened the bridge's foundation. For this reason, when trucks and other vehicles were passing over the bridge on Wednesday morning, a part of it suddenly collapsed.
Vadodara Collector Provides Detailed Information About the Accident
Vadodara Collector Anil Dhamelia, while providing information to the media, said, "12 bodies were recovered on the day of the accident, and 6 more bodies were recovered the next day. So far, a total of 19 people's bodies have been found. Besides, five people were rescued on the very first day. A truck is stuck under the bridge, and its driver is still missing. We are continuing our search for him."
Minister Rishikesh Patel Visited the Site
Gujarat government minister Rishikesh Patel visited the site and took stock of the situation. He monitored the relief operations and asked the officials to ensure prompt action. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He assured that the government would provide all possible assistance to all the victims.
Challenges Faced in the Rescue Operation
The rescue operation has been quite difficult for the rescue teams because the water flow in the Mahisagar River is b, and some vehicles have become trapped inside the river after the accident. SDRF and NDRF teams are conducting search operations with special equipment. The administration has stated that some bodies are buried under a slab, and efforts to remove them are ongoing.
Anger Among Local People
Anger has been observed among the local people after the accident. They say that the administration was already aware of the bridge's condition, yet no proper repairs or alternative arrangements were made in time. Many people have alleged that the traffic load on the bridge was continuously increasing, but no structural inspection was carried out.
Government Orders Inquiry
The Gujarat government has ordered an inquiry into this serious accident. A report has been sought from the Public Works Department (PWD) at the initial stage. After the investigation, it will be decided at what level negligence occurred and who is responsible. According to sources, strict action will be taken against the culprits.
