Bridge collapse kills 9 in Gujarat, survivors recall horror
Speaking to IANS, Raju, one of the survivors, said, "There was a pickup vehicle, a rickshaw, and a two-wheeler on the bridge when it collapsed. I was on the bridge with my uncle. I don't know where he is now. I fell into the river and somehow survived. I was travelling from Dwarka to Tadkeshwar in a bus."
Narendra Singh, another survivor, shared, "I was returning home after my duty. I was on my bike. Just as I reached the bridge, it collapsed right under me."
The bridge, which serves as a crucial connector between Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed during peak traffic hours. Preliminary reports suggest that four vehicles – a Bolero SUV, two trucks, and a pickup van – were crossing the structure when it crumbled without warning.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the vehicles plummeted into the river.
Emergency services, including the fire brigade, local police, and Vadodara district administration officials, rushed to the site and launched rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
"The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister's Office (@PMOIndia) posted on X.
Locals joined the rescue effort, helping pull the injured from the water and wreckage. At least three individuals have been rescued and hospitalised.
Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the scene shortly after the incident, while authorities cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Locals allege years of administrative neglect led to the disaster.
"This bridge was already in a dangerous condition. People had been warning about it for a long time. It's not just a traffic hazard - it had become a suicide point," said one resident.
Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda expressed concern on social media: "The main Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara has collapsed. Multiple vehicles have fallen into the river. Rescue efforts must be immediate, and alternative traffic arrangements should be made."
Rescue teams continued to search for missing persons late into the evening, using cranes to retrieve submerged vehicles from the river.
Indo-Asian News Service
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
Indian diaspora greets PM Modi on arrival in London
The Indian community in London welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a grand reception as he arrived in UK on Wednesday evening for a historic two-day visit that centres around the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and refresh of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Members of the Indian diaspora carried several posters welcoming PM Modi with chants of 'Modi, Modi', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' and danced in traditional outfits as Prime Minister Modi arrived at his hotel in London. "Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India's progress is truly heartening," PM Modi wrote on social media platform X. Earlier, artists dressed in traditional outfits played dhol ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in London. Speaking with enthusiasm and excitement on meeting PM Modi, a member of the Indian diaspora told IANS, "We are so proud, and I am still in tears. You can see that my eyes are still filled with the happiness and joy he (PM Modi) brought while shaking our hands." Another member of the Indian diaspora while speaking to IANS said, "I felt extremely happy meeting PM Modi for the first time and my entire day felt worthwhile. The initiatives PM Modi has taken for India such as digitisation, the recent success of Operation Sindoor etc. The whole credit for such initiatives goes to PM Modi and his Cabinet. The energy PM Modi carries wherever he goes people are crazy to meet him. I feel extremely proud whenever I return back home." An Indian community member told IANS: "The aura I witnessed was simply amazing. I never expected him to have such a powerful presence as he (PM Modi) looked like a saint to me. That is why people like PM Modi a lot." Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi walk in the grounds at Chequers near Aylesbury, England, on Thursday. AP Another member of the Indian diaspora told IANS, "It felt really great, just like every time PM Modi comes, he always does something good here. He strengthens the UK-India bond and brings positivity. I have great hope this time as well as PM Modi will achieve something great for India." Another Indian diaspora member said, "He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is an amazing person, and I am so glad I met him today. I feel so inspired from PM Modi." The Prime Minister's visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23-24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country. "Leaving for the UK, a country with which our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has achieved significant momentum in the last few years. I look forward to my talks with PM Keir Starmer and my meeting with His Majesty King Charles III," PM Modi said on X as he emplaned for the UK. "During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties," the Ministry of External Affairs said in its press statement. The discussions will also touch upon regional and global developments of mutual concern. The visit is expected to inject new momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with both leaders aiming to review progress and chart new areas of cooperation, including India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). PM Modi is also likely to call on King Charles III during his stay. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit builds on frequent high-level engagement between the two countries. PM Modi and his UK counterpart Starmer have already met twice – in Brazil during the G20 Summit and again at the G7 in June 2025 – and held multiple phone conversations. Indo-Asian News Service
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Gulf Today
Scammer held for running 'fake embassy' near New Delhi
In a startling revelation, the Noida Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday said that it uncovered a fake embassy being operated out of a rented bungalow in Ghaziabad's Kavi Nagar area of Uttar Pradesh. Parked outside the premises were several high-end vehicles fitted with fake diplomatic number plates, which were used to lend an air of legitimacy to the illegal setup. The alleged kingpin behind the operation, Harshvardhan Jain, was arrested at the spot, officials confirmed. As per preliminary findings, Jain had converted the bungalow into a so-called 'embassy' for imaginary or self-declared micronations. He also falsely claimed to represent other such fictional entities, including West Arctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia. Authorities revealed that Jain posed as an ambassador of these so-called nations and used a range of tactics to deceive people. He used fake diplomatic number plates and other forged documents to build a show of authenticity. According to officers, his operation involved extensive use of deception, including the display of luxury cars and morphed photographs with global dignitaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and some international leaders. These doctored images were reportedly used to influence unsuspecting individuals and project himself as a powerful global figure. The pictures seized from the spot also reveal Jain's possible ties with international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and controversial self-styled godman Chandraswami. Acting on intelligence received from central agencies, STF personnel conducted a raid on Tuesday and apprehended Jain from the premises. The investigation has since revealed that Jain's scam was not limited to his fake diplomatic identity. His racket involved conning individuals and companies by promising assistance in overseas business ventures and employment opportunities abroad. Authorities also suspect he operated a hawala network through shell companies to further his illegal dealings. Officials noted that a satellite phone was recovered from Jain back in 2011. Harshvardhan Jain. During the latest raid, a large cache of forged diplomatic materials was seized. This included four luxury vehicles bearing fake diplomatic plates, 12 counterfeit diplomatic passports linked to fictitious micronations, two fake PAN cards, forged documents with the seals of the Ministry of External Affairs, and 34 counterfeit seals purportedly from various countries and corporate entities. Additionally, officers found two fake press cards, a staggering Rs 44.7 lakh in cash, foreign currency from multiple nations, and 18 more fabricated diplomatic number plates. A new FIR has been registered at the Kavi Nagar police station, and further legal proceedings are underway. Authorities believe that more individuals could be involved in the scam. The busting of a fake embassy unravelled many startling details about the kingpin Jain and on modus operandi. Harshvardhan Jain, who ran the fake embassy and duped people by posing as ambassador of different nations, did his BBA from Ghaziabad and MBA from London. He had also set up several fake companies abroad and was running a job scam by promising people work abroad and sending them abroad. He is also accused of being part of a money laundering racket through hawala and forging diplomatic documents. He created fake companies in London, Gulf nations and African countries. He was duping common people and companies with the help of vehicles with diplomatic number plates, foreign flags and fake documents. Based on the secret information received by STF, a raid was conducted at the house located at KB-35, Kavi Nagar, around 11:30 pm. Many expensive possessions, including four luxury cars with diplomatic number plates, flags of various countries and several fake documents, including a huge amount of cash, were recovered from the spot. According to the police, the arrested accused Harshvardhan Jain, aged 47, belongs to a reputed industrialist family of Ghaziabad. He had also put up many photoshopped pictures at his house, featuring big politicians. Investigations are underway. Indo-Asian News Service
Gulf Today
10-07-2025
- Gulf Today
Bridge collapse kills 9 in Gujarat, survivors recall horror
Tragedy struck Gujarat's Vadodara district when a portion of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka collapsed, plunging several vehicles into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River. Even as nine people died in the tragedy that left scores injured, survivors of the mishap on Wednesday recounted the terrifying moments when the bridge suddenly gave way beneath them. Speaking to IANS, Raju, one of the survivors, said, "There was a pickup vehicle, a rickshaw, and a two-wheeler on the bridge when it collapsed. I was on the bridge with my uncle. I don't know where he is now. I fell into the river and somehow survived. I was travelling from Dwarka to Tadkeshwar in a bus." Narendra Singh, another survivor, shared, "I was returning home after my duty. I was on my bike. Just as I reached the bridge, it collapsed right under me." The bridge, which serves as a crucial connector between Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed during peak traffic hours. Preliminary reports suggest that four vehicles – a Bolero SUV, two trucks, and a pickup van – were crossing the structure when it crumbled without warning. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the vehicles plummeted into the river. Emergency services, including the fire brigade, local police, and Vadodara district administration officials, rushed to the site and launched rescue operations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister's Office (@PMOIndia) posted on X. Locals joined the rescue effort, helping pull the injured from the water and wreckage. At least three individuals have been rescued and hospitalised. Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the scene shortly after the incident, while authorities cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Locals allege years of administrative neglect led to the disaster. "This bridge was already in a dangerous condition. People had been warning about it for a long time. It's not just a traffic hazard - it had become a suicide point," said one resident. Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda expressed concern on social media: "The main Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara has collapsed. Multiple vehicles have fallen into the river. Rescue efforts must be immediate, and alternative traffic arrangements should be made." Rescue teams continued to search for missing persons late into the evening, using cranes to retrieve submerged vehicles from the river. Indo-Asian News Service
