Vadodara, July 10(HS): The Gambhira Bridge accident in Gujarat has resulted in 15 fatalities, with three individuals still missing. Concerns arise over two additional vehicles that may be trapped in the river following the sudden collapse of a 10 to 15-meter slab. Two nearby vehicles were safely retrieved.

The state government has allocated 212 crore rupees for a new bridge and initiated an investigation. The 900-meter long bridge, inaugurated in 1985, had received a negative inspection report three years ago but remained operational, even after a subsequent inspection nine days prior. Low river water levels helped prevent a higher casualty rate.

Rescue operations continued into the night, focusing on extracting a truck loaded with mud and ceramic tiles, which aided search efforts. Three bodies were recovered and identified, including Mahendrabhai Parvatbhai Hathiya and Vishnubhai Rawal. A chief engineer has been sent to the location to expedite operations ahead of rising river levels.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar