Gujarat: Nine killed as several vehicles plunge into river after 40-year-old bridge collapses in Vadodra
The bridge constructed in 1985 was in a dilapidated state and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required.
PTC News Desk: At least nine persons were killed and several others injured after several vehicles plunged into a river when the portion of a four-decade-old bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Vadodara district on Wednesday morning, officials said.
Five or six vehicles fell into the Mahisagar river after a slab of the Gambhira bridge, located on the river which connects central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions of the state, collapsed, Gujarat's Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said.
The bridge, constructed in 1985, was in a dilapidated state and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required. The exact cause behind the incident has not been ascertained yet and is under investigation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed the authorities to reach the spot and launch a rigorous investigation to ascertain the reason behind the collapse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the victims and their families, the Rs 50,000 to the injured after a major chunk of the Gambhira Bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand collapsed, killing at least nine so far.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi said, "Wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured, PM Modi mourned the loss of lives and took to X and wrote, "The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones."
