At least 15 people have died as a result of the collapse in Gujarat state, stirring concerns over infrastructure safety.
**Survivors of India Bridge Collapse Recall Terrifying Explosion-Like Sound**
**Survivors of India Bridge Collapse Recall Terrifying Explosion-Like Sound**
Eyewitness accounts emerge as investigations begin into deadly Gujarat bridge failure.
The recent bridge collapse in Gujarat, India, which tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, has left survivors in shock, with many initially mistaking the incident for an explosion or earthquake. Investigations into how such a failure occurred are ongoing, as government officials seek answers.
Witness Anwarbhai was behind the wheel of his van with two passengers when a deafening noise shattered the morning calm. "There was a huge explosion-like sound and part of the bridge collapsed behind us," he recounted. As the van began to roll back, he and his passengers instinctively jumped for safety.
The bridge, vital for connecting Vadodara district to central Gujarat, was often bustling with vehicles. Visuals from the scene displayed alarming images of trucks teetering precariously off the edge, while multiple vehicles, including cars and a tuktuk, plunged into the Mahisagar river below. Rescuers are currently searching for at least four missing individuals.
Sonalben Padhiyar, who tragically lost six family members, was the only survivor in her vehicle. In a heart-wrenching moment captured on video, she was seen desperately calling for help after her car slid into the water. "I screamed for a long time before help arrived," she recounted.
Dilipsinh Padhiyar, another survivor, described the moment the bridge gave way beneath him as he was commuting home post-night shift. “I felt a vibration before the structure collapsed,” he said, reflecting on his ordeal as he clung to a metal rod until local fishermen intervened.
Local residents and officials have since expressed their frustrations over the bridge's deteriorating condition, citing frequent complaints that went unheard. Ravibhai, a nearby resident, noted that the bridge would often tremble under heavy traffic. Abhesinh Parmar, a village council chief, called it "dilapidated," revealing that residents had reported issues multiple times without response.
Despite these claims, Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat's government spokesperson, defended the bridge, stating that it had undergone regular inspections and repairs. He mentioned ongoing plans for constructing a new bridge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, has extended condolences to the victims' families and promised compensation. This incident adds to growing concerns regarding aging and poorly maintained infrastructure across India, including a fatal bridge collapse in Morbi that took 135 lives in 2022, just days after reopening following repairs.
Follow up with updates on this story across various platforms for any additional insights and developments.
Witness Anwarbhai was behind the wheel of his van with two passengers when a deafening noise shattered the morning calm. "There was a huge explosion-like sound and part of the bridge collapsed behind us," he recounted. As the van began to roll back, he and his passengers instinctively jumped for safety.
The bridge, vital for connecting Vadodara district to central Gujarat, was often bustling with vehicles. Visuals from the scene displayed alarming images of trucks teetering precariously off the edge, while multiple vehicles, including cars and a tuktuk, plunged into the Mahisagar river below. Rescuers are currently searching for at least four missing individuals.
Sonalben Padhiyar, who tragically lost six family members, was the only survivor in her vehicle. In a heart-wrenching moment captured on video, she was seen desperately calling for help after her car slid into the water. "I screamed for a long time before help arrived," she recounted.
Dilipsinh Padhiyar, another survivor, described the moment the bridge gave way beneath him as he was commuting home post-night shift. “I felt a vibration before the structure collapsed,” he said, reflecting on his ordeal as he clung to a metal rod until local fishermen intervened.
Local residents and officials have since expressed their frustrations over the bridge's deteriorating condition, citing frequent complaints that went unheard. Ravibhai, a nearby resident, noted that the bridge would often tremble under heavy traffic. Abhesinh Parmar, a village council chief, called it "dilapidated," revealing that residents had reported issues multiple times without response.
Despite these claims, Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat's government spokesperson, defended the bridge, stating that it had undergone regular inspections and repairs. He mentioned ongoing plans for constructing a new bridge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, has extended condolences to the victims' families and promised compensation. This incident adds to growing concerns regarding aging and poorly maintained infrastructure across India, including a fatal bridge collapse in Morbi that took 135 lives in 2022, just days after reopening following repairs.
Follow up with updates on this story across various platforms for any additional insights and developments.
