40-year-old bridge collapses in Gujarat’s Vadodara; 9 die as vehicles plunge into Mahisagar river
Nine persons, including a child, were killed and nine others rescued after a portion of a four-decade-old bridge collapsed near Padra town in Gujarat’s Vadodara district on Wednesday morning, officials said.
A slab of the Gambhira bridge, located on the Mahisagar river, which connects central Gujarat to the Saurashtra region of the state, collapsed, killing nine persons, Superintendent of Police (Vadodara rural) Rohan Anand said.
“Around nine persons have died and another nine persons have been rescued, out of whom five have been referred to the SSG Hospital in Vadodara. None of the rescued persons is in critical condition. The rescue operation is still going on," Anand said.
He said 10 to 15 metres long slab of the bridge collapsed at around 7.30 am.
Five vehicles — two trucks, two vans and an autorickshaw — fell into the river after the bridge collapsed, Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said. Two other vehicles that came dangerously close to falling were dragged away to a safer location, the collector said. Three persons on a two-wheeler, which fell into the river, managed to swim to safety, he added.
As many as five persons were rescued and were undergoing treatment, Padra police inspector Vijay Charan said.
The site of the bridge collapse in Vadodara. PTI photo
People gather during the rescue operation at the site. PTI photo
Gujarat minister Rushikesh Patel said the bridge was constructed in 1985, and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required. “The exact reason behind the incident will be probed," the minister said.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Patel expressed grief over the tragedy and said an order had been given to the state’s roads and buildings department to conduct a probe into the collapse and submit a report.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who died in the incident. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
The 900-metre-long Gambhira bridge has 23 piers and connects Vadodara and Anand districts of Gujarat. It was inaugurated in 1985.
India