A tragic incident unfolded in the western state of Gujarat, India, on Wednesday when a bridge spanning a river collapsed, resulting in the death of at least nine individuals. The information was confirmed by local law enforcement agencies, as reported by the Press Trust of India.
The Health Minister of Gujarat, Rushikesh Patel, provided further details about the incident. According to Patel, several vehicles were traversing the bridge when a section of it gave way, plunging many into the river below. He confirmed that at least five individuals were successfully rescued from the water.
The bridge collapse occurred in the Vadodara district of Gujarat, an area that has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days. The bridge, which was built in 1985, was unable to withstand the conditions.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident. He described the accident as “deeply saddening” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
The incident has once again highlighted the safety concerns surrounding India’s infrastructure. The country has a history of major disasters involving its highways and bridges, often resulting in significant loss of life.
In a similar incident in 2022, a century-old cable suspension bridge in Gujarat collapsed into a river. The catastrophic event resulted in hundreds of people falling into the water, with at least 132 confirmed fatalities.
The recent bridge collapse in Gujarat serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure safety checks and improvements across the country. As India continues to grow and develop, the safety of its citizens on its roads and bridges must remain a top priority.