A serious incident occurred near the village of Aajk in Mangrol, Gujarat, when a bridge slab collapsed during maintenance work. On Tuesday morning, a Hitachi machine was working on the bridge when suddenly, part of the slab fell into the river below. At the time of the collapse, between eight to ten people were standing on the slab, and they plunged directly into the river. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in this incident, which has raised significant concerns about bridge maintenance and safety in the state.
The bridge connects Kashod to Madhavpur and is crucial for daily traffic. Many vehicles use this bridge, making its safety vital. The local collector and officials inspected the site following the incident. They confirmed that the bridge was not structurally failing but was being dismantled as part of routine maintenance. The collector stated that the slab was removed after inspectors deemed the bridge dilapidated.
The event has sparked discussions about construction quality and safety measures for bridges in Gujarat. Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, showing the panic among bystanders as the slab collapsed. Many are questioning how such an incident could happen on a busy route during maintenance work.
Following this incident, the state government has intensified its inspections of other dilapidated bridges. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a thorough review of all ageing bridges to ensure public safety. An official from the Public Works Department confirmed that several bridges in Junagadh district are being monitored and repaired as needed.
The incident in Mangrol is not isolated; it reflects ongoing concerns about the safety of bridges across Gujarat. In recent years, there have been various incidents related to bridge collapses and failures, prompting calls for improved safety standards and regular maintenance checks. The government is now under pressure to address these issues swiftly and effectively to prevent any future accidents.
The Aajk bridge incident serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure safety. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure that bridges can withstand the pressures of daily use. As this situation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of all public structures and restoring confidence among the residents of Gujarat.