A month after the Gambhira bridge collapsed in Padra, Vadodara, a chemical-filled tanker is still hanging dangerously from the broken structure. On Monday, an air capsule was placed near the tanker to help lift and remove it safely.
Anand Collector Pravin Chaudhary said, “After the serious accident, efforts are underway to remove the stranded truck, led by the Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC) of Vishwadharma Group, Porbandar.
A skilled team of 50 members has been on-site for the past six days, setting up and rigging the required equipment. The work will be monitored from an office accommodated 900 metres away from the site.” To extract the chemical tanker, advanced technology such as pneumatic airbags, hydraulic strand jacks, and a specially engineered horizontal cantilever is being employed.
In the initial phase, a large air balloon has been positioned near the tanker to aid in lifting. A control tent has been set up off the bridge to coordinate the operation. All necessary safety gear and technical equipment have been placed near the site. Long ropes and spare airbags have also been kept on standby as part of the precautionary measures.
Given the high-risk nature of the operation, every step is being taken with utmost care. All teams are working together to safely remove the chemical-filled tanker. Authorities are hopeful that the task will be completed successfully in the coming days.
How Does Balloon Technology Work?
Using balloon technology to rescue a tanker hanging from a damaged bridge is a smart and safe method. The process usually involves the following steps:
- Assessing the Situation
Experts first check the exact position, weight, and condition of the tanker, along with the bridge’s structure. This helps them plan the operation carefully. - Placing the Balloons
Special strong airbags (balloons) are placed under the tanker, especially where it’s stuck or hanging. - Inflating the Balloons
These balloons are slowly filled with air in a controlled way. As they inflate, they begin to lift the hanging part of the tanker. Special balloon trucks and tools are used for this job. - Securing the Tanker
As the tanker is lifted, ropes and gears are used to hold it steady. These also help pull the tanker back to a safer position. - Pulling the Tanker Out
Once the tanker is stable, it is slowly pulled back from the bridge using special recovery vehicles.
This entire task is very risky due to the heavy tanker, gravity, and the weak condition of the bridge. Even a small mistake can cause a major accident. That’s why expert teams from Singapore and a marine emergency unit are handling the operation to ensure safety at every step.