Latest news with #ChaitanyasinhZala
NDTV
7 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Save My Son": Gujarat Bridge Collapse Survivor Screamed For Help For An Hour
Eleven people were killed, and four vehicles fell into the Mahisagar river in Gujarat's Vadodara after a 40-year-old bridge collapsed this morning. The Gambhira bridge, which was reportedly in a dilapidated condition, fell during peak traffic hours. Five people from the same village died in the incident when a van they were travelling in plunged into the river. The van was travelling from Dariyapuram, Mujhpura village, to visit Bagdana in the Bhavnagar district. A slab of the bridge fell, and the car fell into the river, and a woman survived who screamed for help to rescue her husband, son and others in the van. "Save my son, save my family, take my child out of here", the woman, Sonal Ben Ramesh Padhiyar, screamed as the car fell 150 feet. She was sitting in the back of the car and managed to get out of the vehicle after breaking the glass. She was the only survivor from that van. The woman lost her son and husband in the tragedy. The woman said she managed to get out of the car, but the vehicle was locked, and others couldn't escape, and the truck fell on the van. "I could not save anyone in the car, including a two-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. I kept shouting 'save, save' for an hour." The 40-year-old bridge, notorious as a suicide point, connecting Central Gujarat, South Gujarat and Saurashtra, was constructed in 1986 at a total cost of Rs 343 lakh. Following a recommendation from local BJP MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala, the state government approved the construction of a new bridge. A survey was conducted, and plans to build the new bridge were afoot. The Gambhira bridge was repaired and kept open to traffic. Local residents have said the bridge shook dangerously when vehicles crossed it. The Gambhira bridge was the only shortcut to reach Saurashtra from South Gujarat. With the bridge now closed, the only way to reach Saurashtra from South Gujarat will be through Vasad. For this, people will have to travel 50 km more. Along with this, all vehicles from South Gujarat will be diverted towards Vasad Road, which is likely to cause a traffic jam at the toll plaza.
India.com
7 days ago
- General
- India.com
Gujarat Bridge Collapse: How Authorities Kept Ignoring Red Flags Leading To Loss Of Lives
The collapse of a 40-year-old bridge in Gujarat has claimed nine lives. While the political leaders are busy condoling the loss of lives and announcing compensation, the bridge was a 'disaster-in-waiting'. However, reports suggest that this tragedy was invited by authorities as they kept ignoring the red flags. Several citizens and local news channels have highlighted the dilapidated condition of the bridge, but officials paid no heed to it. A local Gujarati outlet had already reported in Apr 2025 about the poor condition of the Gambhira bridge that collapsed today, killing 10. It should have been shut to traffic back then for proper inspection and either repaired or decommissioned. Several other people too have… — THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) July 9, 2025 This is yet another tragedy in Gujarat after the devastating Morbi bridge collapse. ?75,689 crore allocated to Gujarat for overall infrastructure in 2024 ?550 Crore Specifically to Bridge maintenance after Morbi incident Warning was given by People about poor condition of Gambhira bridge No action was taken Who will get arrested now? — ??Indian Gems (@IndianGems_) July 9, 2025 While the Gujarat government has kept aside Rs 500 crore for bridge maintenance and repairs, the officials appear to have been waiting for yet another tragedy to wake them up. Across the world, critical infrastructures like bridges and flyovers are subjected to regular checks and timely maintenance. But in Gujarat, Babus have left everything to fate. The Gambhira Bridge, in use since 1985, had long been in a deteriorating condition and posed a serious risk. Acting on the recommendation of local BJP MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala, the state government had sanctioned the construction of a new bridge. A survey was carried out, and preparations for the new structure were underway. Meanwhile, the existing bridge underwent repairs and continued to remain open for public use. However, local residents reported that it would shake alarmingly whenever vehicles passed over it. There have been multiple social media posts about the dilapidated condition of the Gambhira bridge over the Mahisagar River, connecting Vadodara and Anand districts of Gujarat. However, all these requests seeking an inspection and maintenance were ignored. Now, the question is - Who is responsible for this 'man-made' tragedy? Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that an inquiry has been ordered in the case. "Orders have been issued to the Roads and Buildings Department for an immediate investigation into the incident. A team comprising the Chief Engineer (Design), the Chief Engineer (South Gujarat), and two private engineers who are experts in bridge construction has been instructed to reach the site immediately, conduct a preliminary inquiry into the cause of the collapse and other technical aspects, and submit a report," he said. But isn't it too late? Leader of Congress Legislative Party - Gujarat, Amit Chavda, said that there has been a demand for a new bridge on the river to replace the old one, but the government ignored it. "Thousands of young people commute daily across this bridge for employment, and traffic from all over Saurashtra passes through here. We have been consistently raising the demand that the condition of this bridge is not good and that it needs to be repaired. Given the age of the bridge, it was repeatedly stated that its time limit was about to expire. In such a case, a new bridge should have been constructed, but the government did not listen to anyone. Today's accident is the result of the Gujarat government's negligence, and the BJP government is responsible for the lives lost. We demand an investigation into this matter. The Gujarat government should conduct an audit of all the bridges in the state and make their fitness certificates public," said Chavda. Vadodara Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohan Anand said that nine people have died and nine others have been rescued following the collapse of a slab on the Gambhira bridge in the Padra area of Gujarat's Vadodara district. He said that a 10-15 metre slab in the middle of the bridge had collapsed. Two trucks, two pickup vans, and a rickshaw fell into the river while two vehicles remained stranded on the bridge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased in the Vadodara bridge collapse. The injured would be given Rs 50,000. PM Modi paid condolences to the families of the deceased.
NDTV
09-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
3 Killed After Vehicles Fall Into River As Bridge Collapses In Gujarat
New Delhi: Three people were killed and several vehicles fell into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River after a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka of Gujarat's Vadodara collapsed on Wednesday, The bridge, which connects the Anand and Vadodara districts, gave way during peak morning traffic hours, resulting in fatalities and injuries to three others. According to initial reports, four vehicles, including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van, were crossing the bridge when it suddenly crumbled. Eyewitnesses said a loud cracking noise was heard moments before the vehicles dropped into the river. Fire brigade teams, local police, and members of the Vadodara district administration rushed to the spot and launched immediate rescue operations. Locals also joined in, helping to extract the injured from the wreckage. So far, three people have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the site shortly after the incident. Authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and initiated a probe into the cause of the collapse. Locals allege that the bridge, a key artery linking Central Gujarat to Saurashtra and vital for commuters between Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar, had long been neglected by the administration. "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," said one resident. Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda posted on social media: "The main Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara districts has collapsed. Many vehicles have fallen into the river, and major casualties are feared. The administration must immediately carry out rescue operations and arrange alternate routes for traffic." Drivers were continuing to search the river for any missing persons, and cranes had been brought in to retrieve the submerged vehicles. More details were awaited. A detailed technical inspection and safety audit of similar structures in the region is expected to follow.
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India.com
09-07-2025
- India.com
Three Killed As Bridge collapses In Gujarats Vadodara District
Three people were killed and at least four vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, fell into the Mahisagar River after a portion of a bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Vadodara district on Wednesday morning, police said. The local administration is present at the spot and four people have been rescued so far during the ongoing rescue operation. "Around four vehicles fell into the river after a portion of the bridge on the Mahisagar river collapsed around 7.30 am. The vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, fell into the river. We have rescued four persons so far," Deccan Herald reported quoting Padra police inspector Vijay Charan. #WATCH | Vadodara, Gujarat | The Gambhira bridge on the Mahisagar river, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapses in Padra; local administration present at the spot. — ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025 The bridge, which connects the Anand and Vadodara districts, gave way during peak morning traffic hours, resulting in fatalities and injuries to three others. According to initial reports, four vehicles, including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van, were crossing the bridge when it suddenly crumbled. Eyewitnesses said a loud cracking noise was heard moments before the vehicles dropped into the river. Fire brigade teams, local police, and members of the Vadodara district administration rushed to the spot and launched immediate rescue operations. Locals also joined in, helping to extract the injured from the wreckage. So far, three people have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the site shortly after the incident. Authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and initiated a probe into the cause of the collapse. Locals allege that the bridge, a key artery linking Central Gujarat to Saurashtra and vital for commuters between Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar, had long been neglected by the administration. '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,' said one resident. Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda posted on social media: "The main Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara districts has collapsed. Many vehicles have fallen into the river, and major casualties are feared. The administration must immediately carry out rescue operations and arrange alternate routes for traffic." Drivers were continuing to search the river for any missing persons, and cranes had been brought in to retrieve the submerged vehicles. More details were awaited. A detailed technical inspection and safety audit of similar structures in the region is expected to follow.
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Several panchayats declared ‘Samras' – won without contest – in Central Gujarat; BJP leaders felicitate winners
On the last day to withdraw nominations for the upcoming elections to gram panchayats across the state, several panchayats in Central Gujarat on Wednesday were declared 'Samras' — won without a formal election or contest. In Vadodara district, the entire panel of Por gram panchayat in Vadodara taluka as well as Vacchesar gram panchayat in Desar taluka were declared Samras while three gram panchayats in Padra taluka also headed the same way, heeding to the 'appeal' from BJP MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala, who had also announced an incentive of Rs 11 lakh from his MLA fund for villages opting for Samras means. Led by Sarpanch Sanjay Vasava, members of the Por gram panchayat, who were declared uncontested winners, celebrated the victory at Vadodara taluka panchayat on Wednesday. Additionally, two out of the 14 wards of Koyali gram panchayat were also declared uncontested winners. Desar Taluka's Vacchesar gram panchayat — a village with a prominently mixed neighbourhood — saw its body being declared uncontested winner on Wednesday, in a first such occurrence. In Padra taluka, three of 49 gram panchayats — Bamanwasi, Nedra and Tajpura — were declared 'samras' as the sarpanch candidate as well as ward candidates were declared uncontested winners. BJP's Zala felicitated the members of the three samras villages in Padra and also handed over the promised letter of Rs 11 lakh incentive. Zala said, 'I had appealed to villages to opt for Samras initiative and even announced that I would hand out a special grant from the MLA fund. Many gram panchayats had shown interest and we are glad that three gram panchayats of Bamanwasi, Nedra and Tajpura opted for the Samras way… I have felicitated the uncontested members and handed over the letter of Rs 11 lakh.' Zala said that Samras panchayats ensure 'no enmity' among villages. He said, 'Samras way of panchayats leads to a unity in the village as there is no ill-feeling or vengeance between villagers… I want to appeal to people, who are contesting the upcoming polls, that they have the right to contest elections but they should follow the law, and not harbour enmity with each other.' In Narmada district, 112 gram panchayats are going to polls out of 238 villages. As many as 765 nomination forms have been filed for 60 posts of sarpanches while 980 nominations have been filed for 532 ward seats. Puchpura, Jalodra and Vajeria gram panchayat of Tilakwada taluka were declared 'samras' as no contestants were found to have filled nominations for the wards. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) felicitated the 'uncontested' winners of Vajeria gram panchayat on Wednesday. In Panchmahal district, seven villages were declared 'Samras', including Navagam, Jodhpur, Hanselav, Bhotwa, and Sagrala. Three of the seven Samras gram panchayats were going to polls for the first time.
