Ahmedabad Bridge Demolition Incident: Two Injured After Vendors Breach Barricaded Zone
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had assigned the demolition of the controversial Hatkeshwar Bridge to a private contractor. On Monday night, a woman and an elderly man sustained injuries when sandbags fell during the demolition process. The AMC later clarified that both individuals had unlawfully entered a barricaded zone, leading to the accident.
Demolition Details and Safety Measures
According to officials, the demolition of the bridge's main span had commenced, with the contractor responsible for stacking sandbags and installing safety barricades beneath the structure. The work was scheduled at night, with prior intimation provided to the local police station. Traffic police had alerted residents, and security personnel were deployed at the site to enforce safety protocols.
Cause of the Incident
Despite these measures, some local vendors forcefully entered the restricted area to continue their business activities. They climbed onto the sandbags, which were not fully stabilized, causing them to collapse and resulting in injuries. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred due to the vendors breaching the barricaded zone and disrupting ongoing work, even though guards, barricades, and safety arrangements were in place.
Official Response and Clarifications
The AMC emphasized that the accident was a direct result of unauthorized entry into the demolition zone. Officials stated that all necessary precautions had been taken, including nighttime scheduling to minimize public disruption and coordination with law enforcement. The incident highlights the challenges in maintaining safety during urban infrastructure projects, especially when local activities intersect with construction zones.
Authorities are reviewing the event to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing the importance of public compliance with safety directives during such operations.
