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Death Toll Rises To 17, 2 Still Missing; CM Bhupendra Patel Orders High-Level Probe News24 –


Vadodara Bridge Collapse: The death toll in the Gambhira bridge collapse in Vadodara district of Gujarat has risen to 17, after rescue teams recovered two additional bodies on Thursday afternoon. With the updated count, two people still remain missing, and the rescue operation is ongoing in the Mahisagar river. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. A team of experts has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation and prepare a report on the repairs, inspections, and quality checks carried out on the bridge.

The Tragedy

Notably, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, when a portion of the bridge, which connects Anand and Vadodara via Padra, suddenly collapsed, plunging vehicles and commuters into the waters below. Multiple vehicles, including two trucks, two vans, and an auto-rickshaw, fell into the Mahisagar River.

Four Officers Suspended

Furthermore, according to the Department of Information, four officers have been suspended with immediate effect based on the preliminary investigation. The officers suspended on Thursday include NM Naikwala (Executive Engineer), UC Patel (Deputy Executive Engineer), RT Patel (Deputy Executive Engineer) and JV Shah (Assistant Engineer).

Gujarat CM Announces Compensation

Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who died in the Gambhira bridge collapse incident. He also announced Rs 50,000 for the injured.

CM Patel wrote on X, “The collapse of a span of the Gambhira Bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara, has caused an accident that is deeply distressing to the heart. The state government stands with full compassion alongside every family affected by this tragedy. The state government will provide assistance of 4 lakh rupees to the next of kin of the deceased. Additionally, each person injured in the accident will receive assistance of Rs 50,000, and all treatment arrangements will also be provided by the state government.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased.

PMO wrote in an X post, “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000: PM,” the post added.