Gambhira bridge collapse: Sulphuric acid, caustic soda from fallen tanker hinder rescue ops

A bridge had collapsed on Wednesday in Padra, Vadodara, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, with tankers, trucks, and a car plunging into the river.

Rescue efforts are still ongoing, but the operation has become challenging as one of the tankers was carrying sulphuric acid and a truck was carrying caustic soda when they fell into the river, creating hazards for the rescue teams and making it difficult to retrieve the vehicles.

Rescue personnel have developed skin irritation and rashes while working in the water, and efforts are continuing to remove the truck from the Mahi river.

The district collector informed that a truck carrying sulphuric acid is still in the water, and the rescue team is working with caution due to the hazardous situation.

Most of the vehicles have been retrieved from the river, but the tanker and the truck remain, posing risks due to the chemicals they are carrying.

Rescue work was halted on Friday night after water was released into the river, but operations have since resumed.