Tragic Bridge Collapse in Vadodara Claims Nine Lives

On July 9, a tragic accident occurred in Vadodara when the Gambhira bridge collapsed over the Mahi River. The bridge suddenly broke into two pieces, sending vehicles plummeting 150 feet into the river below. Four vehicles fell off the bridge during this unfortunate incident.

Among the victims was a woman who, alongside her husband and son, fell into the river. A video capturing her desperate cries for help has gone viral, showing her standing waist-deep in water, pleading to save her family. Sadly, rescue efforts were challenging, and many bystanders felt powerless to assist.

The accident resulted in nine confirmed deaths. Emergency services quickly responded, and five individuals were rescued from the river. The injured were taken to SSG Hospital for treatment, where medical staff worked diligently to care for them.

Local residents and volunteers rushed to the scene to help with rescue operations. Their efforts significantly aided the rescue team, allowing them to save several lives.

The local government has been alerted, and the fire brigade was dispatched to the site. Nine bodies were recovered from the river, and the search for any remaining victims continued. The local collector stated that the rescue operation was ongoing, and they faced difficulties extracting a truck that had fallen into the river.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that he would pray for the souls of those who lost their lives. He instructed the local collector to ensure immediate medical care for the injured.

The bridge’s sudden failure has raised concerns about its safety. Authorities have ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse. A team of engineers, including private contractors, has been sent to assess the situation and provide a preliminary report.

The Gambhira bridge was crucial for connecting Vadodara and Anand. This tragic event has deeply affected the community, and many are calling for accountability regarding infrastructure safety in the region.

In the aftermath of this disaster, local officials are prioritising rescue and recovery efforts. They have also begun discussions about improving safety measures for bridges across the state to prevent such tragedies in the future.