Two injured as metal component falls from under-construction bridge on SG Highway near YMCA

Two people, including a woman, were injured on Tuesday morning after a metal pipe or grill fell from an under-construction bridge on SG Highway near the YMCA, Ahmedabad. The incident, which occurred around 9.45 am, briefly disrupted traffic flow and raised concerns about safety lapses at ongoing infrastructure projects.

Preliminary information from the Sarkhej police suggests that it was not the bridge structure or any portion of it that collapsed. Instead, a metal component fell from the bridge during ongoing construction work and struck two people travelling on a motorcycle underneath. Both sustained injuries and were shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Police Inspector S A Gohil of Sarkhej police station confirmed: “The bridge itself has not collapsed. A metal component fell from the structure during construction, injuring two persons who were passing below on a motorcycle.”

While initial reports mentioned a traffic jam, traffic police clarified that congestion had been quickly cleared. “Necessary action is being taken, and there is no traffic jam at present,” said Usha Vasava, Police Inspector, SG-2 Traffic.

Swasti Jadeja, Divisional Fire Officer, said, “We haven’t received any official call or message regarding the incident, but we are investigating it.”

The metal angle, used to support the bridge during construction, was being dismantled when the incident occurred. Officials said such angles are usually removed in the morning after proper road barricading and traffic diversion are carried out.

On Tuesday, however, a couple riding an Activa scooter allegedly broke through the barricade and attempted to cross the stretch even as the angle was being removed. The metal piece fell, bounced on the road and struck their vehicle. The rider lost control of the scooter, ramming into a traffic barricade, and both sustained injuries. They were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Local commuters have raised concerns over the lack of adequate barricading and safety measures at the site. The accident has once again put the spotlight on civic and contractor accountability in ensuring public safety during flyover and bridge construction across Ahmedabad.