by 
A devastating bridge collapse in India's Gujarat state on Wednesday claimed at least 15 lives, with four people still missing, according to state officials. The 40-year-old bridge, connecting Vadodara district to central Gujarat, gave way, plunging vehicles, including lorries, cars, and a tuktuk, into the Mahisagar river below.
Survivors described a terrifying scene, likening the collapse to an explosion or earthquake. Anwarbhai, a van driver on the bridge at the time, recounted hearing a deafening crack as a section of the structure collapsed behind him. "Our van started rolling backwards, so we quickly jumped out," he told BBC Gujarati. Sonalben Padhiyar, the sole survivor of her family, lost six relatives when their car plunged into the river. Visibly distraught in a viral video, she described screaming for help as she clung to survival. Another survivor, Dilipsinh Padhiyar, was crossing the bridge on his two-wheeler when he felt vibrations before falling into the river. He sustained injuries but held onto a metal rod until local fishermen rescued him. Dramatic footage showed a truck teetering on the edge of the broken bridge, later moved to safety. Rescue operations continue, with the National Disaster Response Force prioritizing the search for survivors and bodies. "We are checking the area quickly," said official Surender Singh. Locals reported long-standing concerns about the bridge’s condition, citing potholes and exposed rods. "It would shake when heavy vehicles passed," said Ravibhai, a resident. Abhesinh Parmar, a local council chief, claimed complaints were ignored. However, Gujarat government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel denied negligence, stating the bridge was regularly inspected and slated for replacement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Gujarat native, expressed condolences and announced compensation for victims’ families. The collapse has reignited concerns about India’s ageing infrastructure, following a similar tragedy in 2022 when a 137-year-old bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, collapsed, killing 135 people. Investigations into the cause of Wednesday’s collapse are ongoing.
