**The bridge disaster underscores persistent infrastructural challenges in India, as local calls for safety improvements grow louder.**
**Tragedy Strikes: Bridge Collapse in Gujarat Claims Lives and Raises Safety Concerns**
**Tragedy Strikes: Bridge Collapse in Gujarat Claims Lives and Raises Safety Concerns**
**Initial Reports from Survivors Describe Chaotic Moments of Collapse as Investigations Begin**
Survivors of a devastating bridge collapse in Gujarat, India, on Wednesday recounted harrowing experiences as the structure gave way, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people. Eyewitnesses initially mistook the incident for an explosion or earthquake, highlighting the suddenness of the disaster.
The bridge, a vital link between Vadodara district and central Gujarat, was crowded with vehicles when a loud crack resonated through the air and part of the bridge plunged into the Mahisagar River. Anwarbhai, a driver on the bridge, described hearing a "huge explosion-like sound" just before the collapse, which caused his van to roll backward. "We quickly jumped out to safety," he recounted to BBC Gujarati.
Rescue teams have been deployed to find at least four individuals still unaccounted for following the incident. Surender Singh, an official from the National Disaster Response Force, stated that retrieval efforts would continue until both bodies and any survivors were located.
Among those affected, Sonalben Padhiyar was the sole survivor in her family after their car fell into the river. She expressed her anguish in a viral video, calling for help for her son before rescuers arrived. Tragically, she lost six relatives in the disaster. Another survivor, Dilipsinh Padhiyar, managed to stay afloat after he fell into the river, clinging to a metal rod until local fishermen helped him.
The bridge's collapse has ignited a political outcry, with residents lamenting that they had repeatedly raised concerns about its deteriorating condition. Locals reported that the structure was prone to shaking when heavy vehicles crossed it and had visible structural damage. Abhesinh Parmar, a local council chief, stated, "We complained many times, but no action was taken."
In response, Gujarat government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel contended that regular inspections and repairs had been conducted. Recently, plans to replace the aging bridge had been announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing from Gujarat, expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged compensation. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues related to inadequate infrastructure in India, echoing previous tragedies, such as the Morbi bridge collapse in 2022 that left 135 people dead shortly after a reopening.
