Fri Jul 18 22:34:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text, adhering to a news style:
**Tragedy Strikes Gujarat as Bridge Collapse Claims 20 Lives Amid Neglect Allegations**
**Vadodara, Gujarat -** A four-decade-old bridge connecting Mujpur and Ghambira in Gujarat’s Vadodara district collapsed on July 9, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 20 people and injuring four, with one still missing. The incident has sparked outrage and accusations of government negligence, as local residents and opposition parties claim repeated warnings about the bridge’s deteriorating condition were ignored.
The collapse occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. when a section of the Mujpur-Ghambira bridge gave way, plunging vehicles into the Mahisagar river below. Sonalben Ramesh Padhiyar, 32, was the sole survivor from her family. Sonal lost her husband, her son, and her daughter. She was rescued after clinging to cables dangling from the wreckage, while onlookers recorded her desperate pleas for help.
The bridge, built in 1985, was a crucial artery for commuters traveling between central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region. Residents had reported visible cracks and instability on the bridge, especially under the weight of heavy vehicles, for years. Despite complaints made to the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and district officials, substantive repairs were never undertaken.
“They ignored repeated requests from the locals to check these bridges. Will this government respond to people’s concerns only after deaths occur,” stated local activist Parmar.
In response to the tragedy, the Gujarat government has suspended four officials from the R&B Department and launched a high-level probe. Initial findings point to “crushing of the pedestal and articulation” as the cause of the collapse. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also approved ₹212 crore for the construction of a new two-lane bridge parallel to the collapsed structure, slated to be completed within 18 months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Patel have announced ex gratia payments of ₹2 lakh and ₹4 lakh, respectively, for the families of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The incident has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties, who are demanding a judicial inquiry. They accuse the ruling BJP government of prioritizing development projects over infrastructure maintenance and safety, citing previous bridge collapses in the state, including the Morbi bridge collapse in 2022 that claimed 135 lives.
Social activist Lakhan Darbar shared an audio recording of his conversation with an R&B officer admitting the risks of using the bridge. The official admitted that the bridge may not last much longer and that a survey flagged concerns.
In the wake of the collapse, authorities have shut down five bridges in the state and restricted heavy vehicle movement on four others, highlighting widespread concerns about the safety of Gujarat’s aging infrastructure. Rescue operations continue as authorities search for the last remaining missing person.
First Piper 