Gandhinagar, July 11 (H.S.): In the third day of the rescue operation at the Gambhira bridge over the Mahi River, three trucks and one motorcycle were recovered from the river, and two additional bodies were found, raising the death toll to 21. One injured individual succumbed to injuries at the hospital. State Health Minister Rishikesh Patel visited the site and noted that early investigations suggest the bridge collapsed due to the failure of its pedestal and articulation. Following the collapse on July 9, which caused vehicles to plunge into the river, a rescue operation has been ongoing.

The operation is particularly challenging due to the presence of sulfuric acid in the recovered trucks. Despite more than 50 hours since the incident, the rescue efforts remain incomplete with concerns about individuals possibly trapped beneath fallen vehicles. Among the deceased is Narendra Singh Ratansingh Parmar, who died while receiving treatment. Two bodies are reported trapped in the water.

Minister Patel confirmed the collapse was attributed to structural failure and stated that a high-level inquiry by the Road and Building Department is underway. A detailed report is expected within 30 days, addressing technical and administrative reasons behind the incident. The state government has already suspended four officials for evident negligence, with further actions anticipated against responsible parties.

Search operations are reportedly nearing completion, and identified bodies have been handed over to families. Minister Patel also visited Sayaji Hospital to check on the injured and conducted a site assessment with railway officials. The retrieval efforts are focusing on the remaining visible body in the river, prioritized before dismantling the bridge slabs and recovering additional materials. The administration noted minimal chances of other vehicles being involved, with most motorcycle riders accounted for. Plans include neutralizing the sulfuric acid present in the river water as part of the recovery efforts.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar