Gambhira Bridge Collapse: At least 15 dead and several injured; rescue operations and investigations underway

New Delhi (India) July 10: In Gujarat's Vadodara district, the Gambhira bridge collapse has claimed 15 lives, and three more are still missing. Two more cars are probably still in the river. The response to disaster teams are working to rescue them.

Anil Dhameliya, District Collector said, "The death count is now 15 and three people are missing. If you have any information about a missing person, share it with our control room so that it aids the rescue work." 

The Collector stated that rescue efforts are being hampered by deep mud. The mud is roughly three meters deep. To help rescuers, a temporary bridge is being prepared. Heavy rain is also posing a challenge for rescue workers in the region.

INVESTIGATION ORDERED

The Gujarati government, led by Bhupendra Patel's BJP has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bridge tragedy. The incident has raised concerns about administrative inefficiency.

The investigation team includes Chief Engineers C. Patel and N.K. Patel. The team also has Superintendent Engineers K.M. Patel, M.B. Desai and N.V. Rathwa.

COMPENSATION OFFERED

The Prime Minister's Office said, "Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," in a post on social media platform X.

The Gujarat Chief Minister has separately declared that the families of each person killed in the accident will receive Rs 4 lakh in compensation.

He said, "Additionally, each person injured in the accident will receive assistance of 50,000 rupees, and all treatment arrangements will also be provided by the state government." 

RESCUE EFFORTS

Teams of police and revenue officers kept a 24-hour watch at the location. The safe removal of a tanker carrying chemicals close to the collapsed section is also a top priority for authorities. It is done in order to avoid environmental hazards. 

To evaluate possible hazards, Gujarat Pollution Control Board officials inspected the area this morning.

OPPOSITION ATTACK

According to the opposition Congress, the incident is a reflection of the corruption and decay behind the Gujarat Model. The party also claimed that there was "rampant corruption” in the infrastructure projects of the state. 

The Congress said, “In this accident, several vehicles fell into the river, resulting in tragic deaths and injuries. The Congress family expresses deep condolences and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured" in a social media post.

Around 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday, a 10- to 15-meter slab of the Gambhira bridge collapsed. It serves as a vital link between central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region. It abruptly collapsed near Padra town. Vehicles that were crossing the bridge at the time were dragged down when a huge section of the bridge between two piers completely collapsed. Witnesses reported an anxious scene as vans, trucks and cars fell into the water.

Aadrika Tayal