Ahmedabad: A newly constructed bridge over the Mindola River in Gujarat's Tapi district collapsed early Wednesday morning. The bridge, which was yet to be inaugurated, suffered a catastrophic failure, raising concerns about the quality of construction materials and prompting an immediate investigation.
The incident occurred around 6:30 am when the middle section of the bridge connecting Maypur village in Valod taluka to Dehgama village in Vyara taluka crumbled into the swirling waters of the Mindola River.
Local sources revealed that the previous bridge at the same location would often get submerged during the monsoon season, causing inconvenience for residents. After repeated representations to political leaders and the state government, the construction of a new bridge commenced in 2021 to address this issue.
The Indian Express, quoting Tapi District Collector Vipin Garg, reported that an investigation into the incident has been initiated, while a thorough examination is on to check the quality of the materials used in the construction process.
Officials confirmed that the construction of the bridge had been completed, and it was on the verge of being inaugurated. However, the tragic collapse has raised questions about the structural integrity and safety measures undertaken during the construction.