**Tragedy on the Mahisagar: Eyewitness Accounts from Gujarat's Bridge Collapse**

At least 15 fatalities have been reported following a bridge collapse in Gujarat, prompting inquiries into infrastructure safety

Survivors of a tragic bridge collapse in Gujarat, India, on Wednesday recounted their horrifying experiences. Initially misinterpreting the incident as either an explosion or an earthquake, many were unprepared for the chaotic consequences. The incident claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals, with ongoing investigations into the precise cause of the collapse being conducted by state officials.

Eyewitness Anwarbhai, who was inside a van with two others, described hearing a thunderous crack behind him just moments before a section of the bridge gave way. "There was a huge explosion-like sound and part of the bridge collapsed behind us," he stated, emphasizing the moments of panic that followed as they leapt from the vehicle. The bridge, which regularly facilitated heavy traffic connecting Vadodara with central Gujarat, showed signs of vulnerability prior to its demise, with many locals expressing longstanding concerns about its structural integrity.

Visuals from the scene depicted chaotic rescue efforts, showcasing a truck dangerously positioned at the edge of the broken bridge. Rescue teams, including officials from the National Disaster Response Force, have prioritized both recovering bodies and seeking out survivors, as the search continues for at least four individuals reported missing.

Among the survivors was Sonalben Padhiyar, who tragically lost six family members when her vehicle fell into the river. Her distressing plea for help has captured public attention, while Dilipsinh Padhiyar—another survivor—described the immediate aftermath of the collapse, detailing the vibrations he felt before the bridge crumbled beneath him.

Local citizens rushed to assist the rescue efforts, using ropes to pull out trapped vehicles. The response was swift, demonstrating a strong community effort. However, the disaster has sparked political debate regarding infrastructure safety in the region, with complaints from locals about the bridge's deteriorating condition. Residents confirmed frequent shakiness when heavy vehicles crossed, while a local council chief identified the structure as being in "dilapidated" condition despite government denials of any neglect.

Gujarat officials stated that inspections and repairs had been consistently carried out, with plans for a new bridge under discussion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his condolences to the victims' families and promised compensation as the investigation delves deeper into the causes behind this calamity. This tragic event adds to the growing discourse on infrastructural safety in India, where a similar incident in 2022 resulted in significant loss of life, casting a shadow on the state of public infrastructure maintenance.