At least nine people were killed after a bridge over a river collapsed in India’s western Gujarat state on Wednesday.
Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said several vehicles were on the Gambhira Bridge when a portion of it collapsed, sending many into the river. He said at least five people were rescued.
The incident occurred at around 7.30am today in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, which has witnessed heavy rains over the past few days. The 3000ft-long bridge was constructed in 1985, Patel said.
Video footage showed a large lorry precariously sat on the broken part of the bridge as onlookers watched in horror.
Another video showed one man in the water below trying to navigate the wreckage of the bridge. He was seen shouting up at those on the bridge as he was surrounded by rubble and overturned vehicles.
Locals told Indian media that the bridge has long been in a dilapidated state, and that their requests to repair the bridge were ignored.
One anonymous local said: ‘The Gambhira bridge has become notorious not just as a traffic hazard but also as a suicide point. Repeated warnings about its condition were ignored.’
Now, local authorities are investigating the incident. Patel said: ‘Instructions have been given to talk to Vadodara Collector and make arrangements on priority basis for immediate treatment of the injured.
