Bridge Collapse in Gujarat Claims Several Lives, Rescue Efforts Underway

Gujarat, July 10 — A major tragedy struck Gujarat early this morning when a bridge collapsed suddenly, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The incident took place near Mahisagar River, sending shockwaves across the state. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency services working around the clock to pull survivors and victims from the debris.

According to local officials and initial reports, the collapse appears to have been caused by a combination of poor maintenance, structural deterioration, and alleged neglect by authorities responsible for upkeep. The bridge, which was several decades old, had reportedly shown visible signs of wear and damage in recent years.

Local residents claim that they had raised concerns multiple times about the condition of the bridge, including cracks in the structure, rusting metal parts, and shaking during heavy traffic. However, those complaints went unheeded. Engineers and experts now suspect that the foundation had weakened due to corrosion and lack of timely repairs.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that waterlogging during the recent monsoon rains may have further damaged the bridge’s base. The excess moisture could have weakened the support beams and joints, making the structure vulnerable to sudden failure. Vehicles crossing the bridge at the time added additional stress, which likely triggered the collapse.

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, fire brigade, and local volunteers, rushed to the scene shortly after the collapse. Divers are searching the water for trapped individuals, while cranes are being used to lift heavy debris. Authorities confirmed multiple deaths, with the number expected to rise as more bodies are recovered.

Hospitals nearby have been directed to provide immediate care to the injured. Several people are in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the collapse. He also announced compensation for the families of those killed and injured.

In a press statement, Patel said, This tragedy is heartbreaking. We will ensure strict action is taken against anyone found responsible. No negligence will be tolerated.

The incident has once again brought the spotlight on India’s aging infrastructure and the urgent need for regular inspections and timely repairs. Civil engineers and safety experts have emphasized the importance of bridge audits, especially for older structures.

This is not the first such tragedy in Gujarat. A similar incident occurred in 2022 in Morbi, where a bridge collapse claimed over a hundred lives. Despite that, several bridges across the state remain in poor condition, lacking proper inspection and upkeep.

Traffic in the affected area has been rerouted, and security personnel are controlling the crowd as rescue operations continue. Locals have also joined in the efforts, assisting officials and providing food and water to survivors and workers.

As the state mourns the loss of lives, questions are being raised about accountability, infrastructure planning, and whether this disaster could have been prevented.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and rescue efforts continue.