At least 10 people have died after a section of a bridge in Gujarat state collapsed into a river, dragging several vehicles with it.
A section of the Gambhira bridge over the Mahisagar River, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed during rush hour on the morning of July 9. One of the 23 spans of the nearly 900-meter-long bridge fell into the river, dragging at least five vehicles with it.
Scene of the bridge collapse in Gujarat state, India on July 9.
Witnesses said they heard a loud cracking sound minutes before the vehicles fell into the river. Fire brigade, local police and Vadodara district administration officials rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations.
Locals also joined in, helping to bring the injured to shore. Ten people were killed, the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Locals say the bridge has long been neglected by the authorities. “Gambira Bridge is not only a ‘traffic black spot’ but also a place where people who intend to commit suicide come to. Repeated warnings about the condition of the bridge have been ignored,” said one resident.
A tanker truck hangs precariously on a partially collapsed bridge in Gujarat state. Photo: NDTV
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (about $2,300) for the relatives of those killed and 50,000 rupees (580 USD) for the injured.
Construction of the Gambhira Bridge began in 1981 and was opened to public traffic in 1985. In 2017, the Congress party demanded that the bridge be closed to heavy vehicles due to the poor condition of the structure.