(In India) 'A huge explosion-like sound' - Survivors recall moment bridge collapsed

 

A tragic bridge collapse in Gujarat, India, on Wednesday claimed the lives of at least 15 people, with several others still missing. Survivors of the incident described the moment as resembling a massive explosion or earthquake. The 40-year-old bridge, connecting Vadodara district to central Gujarat, gave way suddenly, sending vehicles cars, trucks, and even a tuktuk plunging into the Mahisagar River.

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Anwarbhai, a van driver, was on the bridge when he heard a loud crack, and the road behind him gave way. He and his passengers managed to jump out just in time. Another survivor, Sonalben Padhiyar, was the lone survivor from her car. She lost six family members and was seen in a viral video crying for help. She later said she screamed for her son for a long time before help arrived.

Dilipsinh Padhiyar, not related to Sonalben, was riding his two-wheeler home from a night shift. He felt the bridge shake and suddenly found himself falling into the river. Injured, he managed to cling to a metal rod until fishermen rescued him.

Eyewitnesses and locals described a scene of chaos ground shaking, vehicles sinking, and screams for help. Bystanders quickly formed rescue teams using ropes and bare hands to pull people out. The National Disaster Response Force confirmed that search and recovery operations are still ongoing.

The incident has triggered widespread shock and mourning across India, as the country once again faces a disaster tied to crumbling infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced compensation for victims' families. As stories of survival emerge, so do the haunting reminders of warnings ignored and lives forever changed.

In the aftermath of the Gujarat bridge collapse, anger is mounting among locals who claim their warnings about the bridge’s condition were ignored for years. Residents and local leaders have described the bridge as being in a "dilapidated" state, with visible potholes, exposed rods, and severe wear from heavy traffic.

Ravibhai, a local resident, said the bridge often shook when trucks passed. Abhesinh Parmar, a local council leader, echoed the sentiment, adding that they had repeatedly reported the issue to authorities. “We complained many times, but no action was taken,” he said. Despite visible signs of damage, no substantial repairs or safety measures were implemented, according to locals.

However, Gujarat government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel denied the allegations. He claimed that the bridge underwent regular inspections and that plans were in place to dismantle and replace it. According to Patel, the state government had already approved the construction of a new bridge and was preparing to issue a tender.

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The collapse has sparked a political controversy, especially given the region’s recent history. In 2022, 135 people were killed when another bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi town collapsed. That bridge, over a century old, had reopened just days earlier after repairs, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability in infrastructure projects.

As rescue teams search for the remaining missing individuals, questions persist about how such tragedies continue to occur. Experts point to India's aging public infrastructure and a lack of consistent safety monitoring as ongoing risks.

Many are now calling for urgent reforms in the way infrastructure is maintained and inspected. With lives lost and families broken, the Gujarat bridge collapse has become a tragic symbol of the high cost of negligence and a warning that cannot be ignored again.

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