Vadodara (National Times): In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning, a section of the Gambhira bridge in Padra, Vadodara district, collapsed, leading to the death of at least nine people and leaving six others injured, according to official sources.
Confirming the casualties, Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya told reporters: “We have recovered nine bodies so far. Five people were injured, and the sixth injured was found just now. He is being provided medical treatment.”
Immediate Rescue Operations Launched
Rescue efforts were swiftly launched by multiple agencies, including the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), Emergency Response Centre, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police. Teams worked tirelessly to pull survivors and bodies from the debris amid the mangled remains of the collapsed structure.
PM Modi, Gujarat CM Express Condolences
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a statement: “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.”
The PMO also announced ex-gratia compensation of:
- Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
- Rs 50,000 for each of the injured
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also reacted with deep sorrow, describing the incident as “distressing to the heart.”
He said: “The state government stands with full compassion alongside every family affected by this tragedy.”
The CM announced:
- Rs 4 lakh compensation to the families of each deceased victim
- Rs 50,000 for each injured person
- Free medical treatment for the injured at state-run facilities
Investigation Ordered
While the cause of the collapse is yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary investigations have begun. Local authorities are expected to conduct a structural audit of similar bridges in the region to prevent future tragedies.
The Gambhira bridge, which connects Anand and Vadodara, is a key transportation route, and the collapse has caused significant disruptions in the area. Traffic has been diverted while structural engineers assess the remaining portions of the bridge for safety.
Public Reactions and Grief
News of the incident has sent shockwaves through Gujarat and across the nation. Condolences have poured in from political leaders, civil society, and the public, with many demanding accountability and urgent repairs of old infrastructure across the state.
Further updates are awaited as the rescue and recovery operations continue, and investigations progress into the exact cause of this devastating collapse.
