Padra (Gujarat), July 11: The death toll in the Gambhira bridge collapse near Vadodara, Gujarat, has risen to 18, with two more bodies still missing, officials confirmed on Friday. The tragic incident occurred on July 9, when a section of the bridge on the Mujpur-Gambhira stretch, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapsed into the Mahisagar River.
🔹 Latest Update from Officials:
Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said the rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, with teams trying to recover bodies trapped under a collapsed concrete slab.
“Day before yesterday, 12 bodies were recovered. Yesterday, 6 more were found. Five survivors are being treated and are in stable condition,” Dhameliya told reporters.
He added that quicksand and chemical hazards at the site, including a trapped sulphuric acid tanker, have complicated rescue efforts.
“Soda ash in the water has caused irritation to our teams. We are neutralising it and taking extra precautions,” he added.
⚠️ Hazards at the Site:
- Sulphuric acid tanker trapped under the debris; efforts are underway to prevent any leaks.
- Quicksand layer of 3–4 meters at the riverbed is slowing down rescue work.
- Soda ash in the water causing skin irritation to divers and NDRF teams.
🛑 Government Action:
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has:
- Ordered a high-level probe into the bridge collapse.
- Suspended four engineers:
- NM Naikwala, Executive Engineer
- UC Patel & RT Patel, Deputy Executive Engineers
- JV Shah, Assistant Engineer
- Directed state-wide inspections of all bridges to prevent future tragedies.
The CM emphasized the need for a detailed report on prior inspections, repairs, and quality checks carried out on the Gambhira bridge.
🕯️ Background:
The collapsed bridge was a key connector between Vadodara and Anand districts. At the time of the incident, several vehicles, including a truck carrying sulphuric acid, plunged into the river.
📌 What’s Next?
- Recovery of the two missing bodies continues.
- Debris clearing and chemical neutralization work is underway.
- A full structural audit of nearby and similar bridges is expected soon.