At least nine people lost their lives on Wednesday after a bridge collapsed over a river in the western Indian state of Gujarat, according to the Press Trust of India, citing police officials.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, causing many to fall into the river below. He added that at least five individuals were successfully rescued.
The incident took place in Vadodara district, which has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days. Patel noted that the bridge was built in 1985.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “deeply saddening” and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
India has a history of infrastructure issues, particularly regarding safety standards on bridges and highways. In 2022, a tragic collapse of a century-old suspension bridge in Gujarat led to the deaths of at least 132 people after it plunged into a river.
