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On what began as a typical Wednesday morning in Vadodara, a city in India’s western Gujarat state, life was abruptly upended by a tragedy that could have been avoided. Around 7:30 a.m., as rain continued to fall from days of heavy monsoon activity, a section of a bridge suddenly collapsed. Within seconds, multiple vehicles plummeted into the river below.Nine lives were lost in that instant.Bridge Collapse in Gujarat: A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed the collapse occurred while the bridge was occupied by several vehicles. Five people were pulled from the water alive. Emergency crews arrived quickly, but for many, the damage was irreversible. The sorrowful cries of family members at the riverbank echoed across Vadodara as they clutched photos, hoping for miracles amid the debris.A History of WarningsBuilt in 1985, the bridge had been in service for nearly 40 years. While routine use continued uninterrupted, many local residents had raised concerns about its aging structure, especially as monsoon seasons became increasingly intense. According to engineering experts, structures from this era face ongoing stress from modern traffic and extreme weather conditions.Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “deeply saddening” and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. However, to many in Gujarat, the sentiment felt hollow—they had heard it before.
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