Vadodara Bridge Collapse Claims Nine Lives; PM Modi & Gujarat CM Express Condolences

In a devastating incident in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, a portion of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka gave way on Wednesday morning, claiming nine lives and injuring six others.

As per ANI, Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya confirmed that officials had recovered nine bodies and were treating the injured at nearby medical facilities.

According to initial reports from IANS, four vehicles — including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van — were on the bridge when it collapsed.

A local bystander stated that a loud noise preceded the fall, and moments later, the vehicles were seen submerged.

The bridge, which connected the districts of Anand and Vadodara, saw considerable morning traffic, heightening the scale of the disaster.

In response to the incident, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared a message on X stating, “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”

Additionally, the PMO also mentioned an ex gratia amount of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF to the family of the deceased and an amount of Rs 50,000 to each injured individual.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, in a post on X, expressed sorrow over the Gambhira bridge collapse, prayed for the victims, and ordered an immediate investigation.

He also directed officials to prioritise treatment for the injured and confirmed that rescue teams, including NDRF and VMC, were at the site.

CM Bhupendra has also announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured individual.

Swift response & rescue efforts

Fire brigade teams, local police, and members of the Vadodara district administration quickly reached the spot and started the rescue operations immediately.

Authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the site to oversee the rescue operations and offer support to the victims’ families.

Structural integrity concerns and potential lapses in maintenance will be examined closely.

Officials have assured that further updates will follow as the inquiry progresses.

This tragedy has reignited concerns over the condition of ageing infrastructure across the country and the urgent need for regular safety assessments to prevent such catastrophic events.

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