Following the collapse of the 45-year-old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Padra taluka in the early hours of Wednesday, which killed at least nine people, several local media reports highlighting the bridge’s dilapidated condition have been shared on social media. These posts condemn the authorities’ negligence despite repeated warnings.
A local journalist allegedly made a video report nine days ago, drawing attention to the bridge’s poor condition. In the report, he states that every year during the monsoon, the bridge, which connects Vadodara and Anand districts, becomes riddled with potholes.
Another report by a local journalist, reportedly recorded in April this year, showcases the bridge’s huge cracks.
These videos have fuelled public anger, with many already outraged by the authorities’ inaction. Reacting to the viral video, one user tagged Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, writing, “This is criminal negligence. This is a case of culpable homicide. Those responsible should be dismissed and charged. But will this happen?”
Suspecting that the accountable officials will escape consequences, another user commented, “Unforgivable failure by the babus [bureaucrats] and the government. But nothing will happen to them. Because this is India.”
After the bridge’s collapse, villagers from nearby Mujpur rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts.
Jashpalsinh Padhiar, a local resident, told news agency ANI that several petitions had been submitted to authorities over the past six to seven years, urging the construction of a new bridge, but these pleas fell on deaf ears. “It was a ticking time bomb,” he said.
