Vadodara Bridge Tragedy: 17 Dead, 2 Still Missing, High-Level Probe Launched by Gujarat Government

The collapse of the Gambhira bridge in Vadodara, Gujarat, has led to a devastating increase in the death toll, now standing at 17. Rescue teams are tirelessly searching the Mahisagar river for the remaining two missing individuals. Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, has ordered a comprehensive, high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the bridge’s failure. The investigation will delve into the bridge’s maintenance records, including repairs, inspections, and quality checks. The bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara via Padra, crumbled on Wednesday, sending several vehicles, including trucks and cars, into the water. Four officials have been suspended as a result of preliminary findings. The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of those who died and Rs 50,000 to those injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also offered his condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased through the PM National Relief Fund.