Tragedy Strikes: Gujarat Bridge Collapse Leaves Survivors in Shock

Survivors recount harrowing experiences amidst ongoing investigations as many remain missing after the bridge disaster in Gujarat.

Survivors of a catastrophic bridge collapse in Gujarat, India, are sharing their chilling firsthand accounts of the tragedy that left at least 15 dead. Initially mistaking the chaotic scene for an explosion or earthquake, witnesses described a deafening crack before a section of the bridge fell into the Mahisagar River, pulling several vehicles down with it.

Anwarbhai, a witness who was driving a van, recounted the panic he felt as part of the bridge collapsed behind him. “There was a huge explosion-like sound. Our van started rolling backwards, so we quickly jumped out,” he told BBC Gujarati. The bridge, which connected Vadodara district to central Gujarat, was typically bustling with traffic. Eyewitness footage showed alarming scenes, including a truck precariously perched at the edge. Other vehicles, including lorries and cars, plunged into the river with alarming force.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with at least four individuals still unaccounted for. Surender Singh from the National Disaster Response Force stated, "Our priority is to quickly check the area and retrieve bodies or survivors."

Among those directly affected is Sonalben Padhiyar, the sole survivor among her family members when their car plummeted into the river. Padhiyar vividly described the harrowing moment she found herself submerged, screaming for help to rescue her son. Distressed footage of her has circulated widely, capturing the tragedy of her loss.

Dilipsinh Padhiyar, another survivor, described narrowly escaping disaster while returning home from a night shift. Just meters into his journey, he felt the ground quake as the bridge collapsed beneath him. Despite suffering injuries, he managed to cling to a metal rod until help arrived, thanks to local fishermen.

Eyewitness accounts have sparked public outrage, with residents voicing concerns about the bridge's deteriorating condition. Locals reported that they had repeatedly complained about the bridge, citing vibrations when heavy vehicles passed over it, and describing it as being in a "dilapidated" state.

In response, Gujarat government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel denied these claims, emphasizing that maintenance inspections were regularly carried out. He noted that plans for a new bridge had already been approved, and tenders were forthcoming.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed condolences to victims' families and promised compensation. This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend of incidents associated with aging infrastructure in India, with a previous collapse in Morbi town leading to 135 fatalities just last year when a historic bridge fell shortly after reopening.