The bridge that collapsed in Gujarat—claiming nine lives—had long been flagged by locals as unsafe. Witnesses say the structure shook when vehicles passed, raising fresh questions about delayed repairs and government negligence.
Source Image: ndtv
Following the tragic bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district that killed at least nine people, disturbing new details have emerged. Residents claim the bridge had been visibly unstable for months, shaking whenever cars or trucks crossed it, and say the disaster was long in the making.
The bridge, which spanned the Bhogavo River, gave way suddenly on Monday evening, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the water. Rescue operations are still underway, with teams searching for survivors and additional bodies.
Locals Sounded the Alarm
Local commuters and villagers had repeatedly warned authorities that the bridge was shaky and vibrating, especially under the weight of heavier vehicles.
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“We had stopped using it at night. You could feel it tremble under you,” said Harish Solanki, a resident who used the bridge daily.
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“People complained to officials, but no structural audit or repairs were done,” added Manju Patel, another local witness.
This has sparked widespread anger and demands for accountability from the Public Works Department (PWD) and local administration.
Neglect and Warnings Ignored
While the exact cause of the collapse is under investigation, early findings point toward:
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Structural fatigue and rusting in key support beams
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Lack of regular maintenance or inspection
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No recent load-bearing capacity tests or warning signage
Locals allege that the bridge hadn’t undergone proper safety evaluation in years, and rains may have further weakened its foundation.
Aftermath and Rescue Status
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local emergency teams responded quickly, retrieving nine bodies so far. The search for missing individuals continues, with boats, divers, and cranes deployed at the site.
The government has announced compensation for the victims’ families, but public anger is mounting.
Political and Administrative Fallout
Questions are being raised over why known warnings and complaints were neglected. Opposition leaders have criticized the ruling administration, calling the collapse a result of “criminal negligence”.
A judicial inquiry may be launched to investigate:
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Inspection records of the bridge
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Budget allocations for maintenance
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Possible lapses in infrastructure planning
