A month after the Gambhira bridge collapsed in Padra, Vadodara, a chemical tanker remains precariously hanging from the broken structure. The incident, which took place on July 9, resulted in the tragic loss of 21 lives, many of whom were on their way to work. Now, the authorities are taking steps to safely remove the tanker from the site.
On Monday, an air capsule was placed near the tanker to assist with the lifting operation. Anand Collector Pravin Chaudhary stated that the removal efforts are led by the Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC) based in Porbandar. A skilled team of 50 members has been working on-site for the past six days, preparing and rigging the necessary equipment to ensure a safe operation.
Due to the high-risk nature of the task, advanced technology is being employed, including pneumatic airbags, hydraulic strand jacks, and a specially engineered horizontal cantilever. These tools help in lifting the tanker gently and carefully. A large air balloon has been positioned under the tanker to aid in the lifting process. Additionally, a control tent has been set up 900 metres away to supervise the operation, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
The rescue operation is meticulous. Experts first assess the tanker’s condition and the bridge’s stability. Special strong airbags are then placed where the tanker is stuck. These airbags are inflated slowly, lifting the tanker as they expand. As the tanker is raised, ropes and gears stabilize it, helping to pull it back to a safer position. The entire operation is risky, given the weight of the tanker and the fragile state of the bridge. Any mistake could lead to further accidents, so expert teams, including those from Singapore, are overseeing the process.
Since the collapse, the tanker has remained untouched due to ongoing rescue operations. It was transporting Hydrochloric Acid, but its contents have been emptied for safety. The authorities aim to complete the removal of the tanker within the week. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, has directed the administration to retrieve the vehicle and return it to its owner.
In response to the disaster, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to examine the assets of four suspended engineers from the Roads and Buildings department, alongside a retired official. This inquiry follows concerns about the bridge’s maintenance and the structural failure that led to the tragic collapse.
The Gambhira bridge, built in 1985, served as a crucial link over the Mahi River, connecting Central Gujarat with the Saurashtra region. It collapsed during peak traffic hours, with several vehicles falling into the river. Eyewitness accounts describe a loud cracking noise just before the disaster struck, leaving many trapped in submerged vehicles.
Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire brigades, were deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. While 21 people lost their lives, many others were injured, and the community continues to mourn the loss.
As the authorities work to remove the tanker, they remain vigilant. Inspections of over 1,800 bridges across Gujarat have taken place to prevent similar incidents, leading to the closure of 20 bridges and partial closures of 113 others for heavy vehicles. The tragic event has highlighted the importance of bridge safety and maintenance in the region.
The community is hopeful that the removal of the tanker will mark a step towards recovery and healing after this tragic incident. Authorities are committed to ensuring that safety measures are in place to prevent such disasters in the future. As the operation progresses, updates will be provided to ensure transparency and keep the public informed about the ongoing efforts to restore safety on the roads of Gujarat.