KATHMANDU, July 9: At least nine people lost their lives and six people were injured on Wednesday when vehicles fell into the Mahisagar River following the collapse of a Gambhira bridge in Gujarat, news agency PTI reported, citing a state minister.
The collapse has interrupted links between Anand and Vadodara, causing disruptions to traffic and vehicular movement on the route, as per Hindustan Times.
The incident has disrupted road connectivity between Anand and Vadodara, affecting vehicular movement along the route.
Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said that rescue efforts began earlier in the day, with local swimmers, boats, and a team from the Municipal Corporation arriving promptly at the scene. He added that teams from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), Emergency Response Centre, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other administrative and police units were all present at the site.
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“...Rescue operation started this morning. Local swimmers, boats and a team from the Municipal Corporation reached the spot immediately. VMC, Emergency Response Centre, NDRF teams and other administration, Police teams are here. Rescue operation is ongoing...We have recovered 9 bodies so far. 5 people are injured, a 6th injured was found just now and he is being provided medical treatment...” he said.
Gujarat minister Rushikesh Patel. said the bridge was constructed in 1985, and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required.
"The exact reason behind the incident will be probed," Patel said.
At least four vehicles plunged into Mahisagar River
According to police, at least four vehicles plunged into the river after a section of a bridge gave way in Gujarat’s Vadodara district on Wednesday morning. PTI quoted Padra police inspector Vijay Charan saying that four people had been rescued so far and that the operation was still underway.
The incident occurred around 7.30 am when the Gambhira bridge, built over the Mahisagar River along a state highway, collapsed.
"Around four vehicles fell into the river after a portion of the bridge on the Mahisagar river collapsed around 7.30 am. The vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, fell into the river. We have rescued four persons so far," he said.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed technical experts to visit the site and investigate the cause of the bridge collapse, officials said.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from the Vadodara fire department and local residents actively participating, an official said.
Additionally, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been dispatched to the site with rescue equipment to assist in the operation.
The collapsed structure is the 900-metre-long Gambhira bridge, which has 23 piers and links the Vadodara and Anand districts. The bridge was inaugurated in 1985.
