On July 9, a tragic event occurred when the Gambhira Bridge, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapsed. The incident took place at around 7:30 AM, resulting in many vehicles falling into the river below. Reports confirm that at least 14 people lost their lives, including children as young as two years old. Emergency services were deployed quickly, and many injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel responded promptly, ordering a thorough investigation into the incident. He has maintained continuous communication with the Roads and Buildings Department and district collectors since the news broke. The Chief Minister has directed a team of experts to inspect the bridge and report on the maintenance, inspections, and quality checks conducted during its operation.
Initial investigations have pointed to negligence by officials responsible for the bridge’s upkeep. Among those suspended are N.M. Naikawala, the Executive Engineer, and his Deputy Engineers, U.C. Patel and R.T. Patel, along with Assistant Engineer J.V. Shah.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as the bridge suddenly gave way. An eyewitness, who was driving a pickup truck, recounted how he barely escaped. He attempted to warn other drivers of the danger, but some could not stop in time and fell into the river. Local residents also joined rescue efforts to help those trapped in the water.
The state government has promised swift action, including an immediate safety audit of other bridges in Gujarat. The Gambhira incident has raised concerns about infrastructure safety, as local activists had previously reported the dilapidated condition of the bridge.
The Chief Minister’s office stated that they are committed to ensuring such tragedies do not happen again. The investigation will examine all aspects of the bridge’s construction and maintenance history.
As the community mourns the loss of life, the focus now shifts to supporting families affected by this disaster. The local government is set to provide assistance to the victims’ families and address the infrastructure issues that led to this incident.
In conclusion, the Gambhira Bridge collapse is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining public infrastructure. The government’s immediate response and thorough investigation will hopefully lead to necessary improvements, ensuring safety for all citizens moving forward.
Leave a Reply