The survivors recall the moment of collapse of the bridge

The survivors of the bridge collapsed in the country in Gujarat in India on Wednesday, who died at least 15 people, said they initially believe it was an explosion or an earthquake.

The reason for the collapse is yet to be established and investigations are conducted according to government officials.

Anurbhai, who was driving a van that had two other passengers, was on the bridge on Wednesday morning when he heard a deafening crack – part of the bridge behind him collapsed in the Mahisagar River, taking some vehicles with him.

“There was a huge sound similar to an explosion, and part of the bridge collapsed behind us. Our van also started to roll back, so we quickly jumped,” he told the BBC Gujarati.

The 40-year-old bridge connects the Vadodara neighborhood to the central guyat and usually sees a lot of traffic.

The dramatic visualizations after the collapse showed a truck, full of dangerously from the edge of the broken bridge – later it was moved to safety. But other vehicles, including trucks, cars and tactuk, were immersed in the water.

At least four people are still missing and search operations are underway.

“It is our priority to quickly check the area and derive both bodies and all survivors,” Ani told the news agency.

Sonalben Padhiyar was the only survivor of his family members after the car he was traveling to, he fell into the river.

Relying on the horrifying moments, D -Padhiyar told the Indian Express newspaper that it sits in the back when the car fell into the river.

A video of her, apparently difficult and calling for someone to save her son, has since become viral. Later, she told Annie that she had screamed for a long time before helping. She lost six family members.

Dilipsin Padhiyar, another survival (not related to Mrs. Padhiyar), returned home from a night change of her two-wheeled when the incident happened.

“Traffic was moving as usual,” he told The Indian ExpressS

He said he had barely passed 100 meters on the bridge when he felt a vibration before the structure retreats.

“I was to fall into the river,” he said.

Padhiyar received injuries, but managed to stay on a metal rod and stay on sail until the local fishermen arrive to help.

Eyewitnesses said the collapse felt like an earthquake, shaking the land and sending numerous vehicles that crashed into the river.

Jaiiraj Singh, one of the locals who rushed to the scene, told BBC Gujarati that he was warned by a phone call by a friend.

“When I heard, I rushed,” he said. “We started withdrawing vehicles with ropes. People in the area gathered to help.”

The collapse began a political dispute, with locals saying that they often complained about its poor condition.

Ravibhai, who lives in the area, told the BBC Gujarati that the bridge would often shake when heavy vehicles quarrel on it.

Absin Parmar, head of the local council from a village near the bridge, said he was in “destroyed” condition and “had” holes everywhere “.

“It was also seen to see each other from the structure. We complained many times, but no action had been taken,” he said.

Rushikesh Patel, a spokesman for the Gujarat government, denied this, saying that the bridge was inspected and repaired at regular intervals.

“Recently, Chief Minister Bhuppendra Patel approved the dismantling of the existing bridge and was building a new one. We were soon aside to auction,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from Gujarat, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and announced compensation.

Wednesday’s collapse is among a series of deadly accidents related to aging and poorly maintained public infrastructure in India.

In 2022, about 135 people were killed when a 137-year-old suspension bridge in Gujarat’s football town has collapsed in a river. The bridge, a popular tourist attraction, opened again for visitors just days earlier after repair.

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