Gujarat bridge collapse: Death toll rises to 9, PM Modi announces ex gratia

A section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka of Gujarat collapsed during peak morning traffic hours, resulting in nine fatalities. The bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, gave way, causing several vehicles to fall into the Mahisagar river. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured victims. Rescue operations are underway. The bridge, built in 1981 and opened for vehicles in 1985, was last repaired a year ago. A Gujarat minister revealed that a new bridge worth Rs. 212 crore had been sanctioned, but construction had not yet begun. Local residents had previously raised concerns about the bridge's condition and heavy vehicle traffic.