A major accident took place in Vadodara district of Gujarat, when the 45-year-old Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Padra suddenly collapsed. Four vehicles passing over the bridge – two trucks, a Bolero SUV and a pickup van – fell straight into the Mahisagar river. So far nine people have died in this accident, while nine others have been rescued safely.
Panic in the area
Soon after the incident, there was chaos in the area. Eyewitnesses said that a loud sound was heard before the bridge collapsed, and within no time many vehicles were submerged in the river. Teams of fire brigade, district administration and police reached the spot quickly. Local citizens also helped in the rescue work. The injured were immediately admitted to nearby hospitals.
Rs two lakh to the families of the deceased
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief over the accident and directed the officials to expedite the relief work immediately. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi said that orders have been given for a high-level inquiry into the incident. At the same time, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has raised questions on the government regarding this incident. He asked why negligence is being shown regarding the quality of bridges again and again.
The bridge was in a dilapidated condition for years
Local people said that this bridge was in a dilapidated condition for years and many times demands were made for its repair, but the administration ignored it. A resident said, “This bridge was not only dangerous in terms of accidents, but suicide incidents have also been taking place here. Warnings were given many times, but no action was taken.”