Tragic Bridge Collapse in Vadodara Claims Nine Lives, Rescue Operations Underway
In a shocking incident from Gujarat, nine people were killed and several others injured after the Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara collapsed early Wednesday morning. The 43-year-old bridge, located in Mujpur in Padra taluka, gave way suddenly, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River.
Location and Importance of the Bridge
The Gambhira Bridge connected Mujpur in Vadodara district to Gambhira in Anand district, acting as a crucial link between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Key Details About the Bridge:
- Built: Over 43 years ago
- Last repaired: In 2023
- Connects: Vadodara and Anand districts
- Strategic route: Central Gujarat to Saurashtra
Sequence of the Incident: Sudden Collapse in Early Morning
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, causing five major vehicles to fall into the river. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show a tanker hanging dangerously from the broken edge of the bridge, while a woman is heard crying for her son who was reportedly trapped in an overturned Eeco van.
Vehicles Involved in the Accident:
- 2 trucks
- 1 Eeco van
- 1 pickup van
- 1 auto-rickshaw
- 2 motorcycles (unconfirmed if they fell)
Death Toll and Casualties
Current Casualty Update:
- 9 dead confirmed
- 9 rescued alive
- 4 sustained minor injuries
- Identities not fully confirmed yet
According to Anil Dhameliya, District Collector of Vadodara, “We have rescued five people with minor injuries, and two have been confirmed dead initially. More bodies were recovered later, bringing the toll to nine.”
Swift Rescue Operation by NDRF and Fire Team
Immediately after the incident, the Vadodara district fire department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were rushed to the site. NDRF’s Vadodara 6BN unit dispatched a team along with deep water divers to assist in rescue efforts.
Ongoing Rescue Details:
- NDRF units deployed with divers
- Fire tenders from Anand district on site
- Rescue boats and safety gear used
- Rescue still ongoing due to difficult terrain
Bridge Condition and Recent Repairs Raise Concerns
District officials confirmed that the bridge was repaired last year, raising questions about the quality and integrity of the repair work.
Statements from Officials:
- “The executive engineers from the Road and Bridges Department are reaching the site for inspection.”
- “Only after rescue is completed will we initiate a detailed probe into the bridge collapse.”
The bridge, despite being four decades old, was considered usable and safe after repairs. However, this tragic collapse puts a spotlight on infrastructure negligence and the need for regular structural audits.
Government & Political Reactions
District-Level Coordination:
- Vadodara administration leading rescue efforts
- Anand district police and fire teams providing support
Political Leaders Speak Out:
Amit Chavda, Congress MLA from Anklav, shared on X (formerly Twitter):
“Several vehicles have fallen into the river and big casualties are feared… The government administration must undertake immediate rescue and divert traffic accordingly.”
The incident has raised serious concerns among opposition leaders about bridge safety audits and lack of preventive action by the state government.
Locals Demand Justice and Accountability
Angry locals and social activists are demanding a judicial probe into the incident, questioning:
- Why was the bridge not declared unsafe?
- What were the quality checks on the 2023 repairs?
- Who is accountable for the deaths?
Traffic Diversion and Public Safety Measures
The government has temporarily closed nearby routes and diverted traffic to alternative roads. Local authorities are advising people to avoid travel in the region until further notice.
Mahisagar River Not at Deepest Point, Aids Rescue
Thankfully, the bridge did not collapse over the deepest section of the Mahisagar River, enabling better access for rescue personnel. However, the river’s current and debris make the operation challenging.
Need for Bridge Infrastructure Audit Across Gujarat
This incident highlights the urgent need for:
- Comprehensive structural audits of old bridges
- Transparency in repair contracts
- Use of modern technology for bridge health monitoring
- Clear accountability in case of negligence
Key Takeaways from Vadodara Bridge Collapse
- Nine people dead in Vadodara bridge collapse
- Multiple vehicles, including trucks and auto, fell into river
- 43-year-old bridge collapsed despite 2023 repairs
- NDRF and fire services actively engaged in rescue
- Government under pressure for safety lapses
- Locals and opposition demand probe and accountability
Bridge Collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara Kills At Least Nine, PM Modi Calls It ‘Deeply Saddening’
Gujarat Bridge Tragedy: Nine Killed, Rescue Operations Continue
Vadodara, Gujarat – In a tragic incident early Wednesday, a bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara district led to the deaths of at least nine people. Several vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar River as a portion of the bridge gave way suddenly. The structure, built in 1985, connected Mujpur in Padra taluka to the Anand district, forming a critical route between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Deadly Bridge Collapse in Vadodara: What We Know So Far
Key Highlights:
- Bridge built in 1985 collapses suddenly
- Nine confirmed dead, five injured
- Several vehicles, including trucks and vans, fell into the Mahisagar River
- Prime Minister Modi offers condolences
- NDRF and local rescue teams on site
- Raises concerns over India’s infrastructure safety
Eyewitness Accounts and Horrifying Scenes
Videos from the scene showed shocking visuals of the collapse. One clip captured a tanker hanging off the edge of the broken bridge, while another showed a woman screaming for help for her trapped son inside a submerged vehicle.
According to Anil Dhameliya, District Collector of Vadodara,
“At least nine bodies have been recovered. Five people have been rescued with injuries. Rescue operations are still under way.”
Vehicles Involved in the Gujarat Bridge Collapse
Confirmed Vehicles That Fell into the River:
- 2 trucks
- 1 Eeco van
- 1 pickup van
- 1 auto-rickshaw
- Possibly 2 motorcycles (unconfirmed)
Rescue Teams Rush to the Spot
The Vadodara district fire and emergency teams, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), launched a full-scale rescue operation. Deep water divers from NDRF’s 6BN unit were deployed to assist in retrieving bodies and survivors.
Ongoing Rescue Highlights:
- Boats and life jackets deployed
- Teams from Vadodara and Anand districts coordinating efforts
- Medical teams on standby for emergency aid
Bridge Was Repaired Recently But Built in 1985
Though the bridge was reportedly repaired in 2023, officials confirmed that the structure was originally built in 1985. The sudden collapse has sparked a massive debate on India’s aging infrastructure and lack of safety audits.
Anil Dhameliya added:
“The executive engineers from the Road and Bridges Department are heading to the site for assessment after the rescue work is done.”
PM Modi Expresses Grief, Calls It ‘Deeply Saddening’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to the incident, said the deaths were “deeply saddening” and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“My prayers are with the injured. Local authorities are doing their best to help those affected,” said PM Modi.
India’s History of Infrastructure Disasters
This tragedy has once again brought attention to India’s poor infrastructure management, particularly regarding old bridges and roadways.
Past Bridge Disasters in India:
- Morbi Bridge Collapse (2022):
A colonial-era cable suspension bridge over the Machchu River in Gujarat collapsed, killing 132 people. - Kolkata Vivekananda Flyover Collapse (2016):
An under-construction flyover collapsed in a crowded market area, killing 27 people.
Political Leaders Call for Accountability
Several political leaders have demanded an immediate investigation into the incident. Amit Chavda, Congress MLA from Anklav, posted on social media:
“This tragic loss of lives could have been prevented. The government must take strict action and ensure accountability of officials responsible.”
Public Outrage Mounts Over Bridge Safety
Angry locals and social media users are questioning how a bridge that was supposedly repaired just last year could fail so catastrophically. Many are calling for:
- Independent structural audits of all bridges over 30 years old
- Regular maintenance reports to be made public
- Strict action against corruption in infrastructure contracts
Government’s Next Steps: Investigation and Traffic Diversion
The Gujarat government has initiated temporary traffic diversions in the region and promised a thorough technical inquiry into the bridge collapse. Authorities are still identifying the victims, and injured survivors have been shifted to local hospitals in Vadodara district.
Why This Incident Highlights India’s Infrastructure Crisis
India is currently undertaking a massive infrastructure push under the PM Gati Shakti Yojana and other development schemes. However, safety measures and inspections often lag behind.
Infrastructure Concerns in India:
- Aging public structures with little to no modern monitoring
- Corruption in tendering and repairs
- Reactive, not preventive, maintenance culture
- Lack of real-time structural health tracking
Key Takeaways from Gujarat’s Bridge Collapse Tragedy
What We Learned:
- Nine lives lost in a preventable bridge collapse
- Old infrastructure still in active use without proper audits
- Emergency services acted swiftly, saving many lives
- Public and political outcry pushing for accountability
- National spotlight back on India’s infrastructure reliability
Conclusion: Time for Action, Not Just Condolences
The Gujarat bridge collapse is not an isolated event—it is a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue. As India aspires to become a global superpower with world-class infrastructure, it must also prioritize public safety, maintenance, and transparency.
No number of condolence tweets or compensation cheques can bring back the lives lost. But timely investigations, strict punishments, and genuine reform can prevent the next tragedy.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead as Vehicles Plunge into Mahisagar River, Truck Hangs by a Thread
Massive Tragedy in Vadodara District: Gambhira Bridge Collapse Kills Nine
Vadodara, Gujarat – In a heartbreaking incident early Wednesday morning, at least nine people were killed and several others injured when a section of the Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district collapsed, causing five vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar River. One truck was seen dangling dangerously from the broken edge of the bridge, hanging “by a thread” as stunned locals watched.
Bridge Collapse in Gujarat: Key Details of the Incident
The nearly 900-meter-long bridge, which connects Mujpur in Vadodara district to Gambhira in Anand district, saw one of its 23 spans collapse suddenly. The bridge is a crucial link between Central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region, frequently used by both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Key Points:
- Location: Mujpur, Padra taluka, Vadodara district
- Bridge length: Approx. 900 meters with 23 spans
- Span collapsed: 1 span reportedly gave way
- Fatalities: 9 confirmed dead
- Rescued: 9 injured survivors
- Vehicles involved: 2 trucks, 1 Eeco van, 1 pickup van, 1 auto-rickshaw
Eyewitness Videos and Shocking Visuals Circulate Online
Dramatic eyewitness footage of the Gujarat bridge collapse showed a tanker truck hanging precariously, while distressed voices were heard pleading for help. In one disturbing video, a woman trapped in the water is seen crying out for her son trapped inside an overturned van.
The scale of the tragedy has left the region in shock, with emergency teams working tirelessly to save those who might still be trapped.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Calls Incident ‘Deeply Saddening’
Reacting to the tragedy, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called the incident “deeply saddening” and assured the public that immediate action is being taken.
“Rescue efforts are underway. The government stands with the affected families,” Patel said in a statement.
Five Vehicles Confirmed to Have Fallen into the River
Preliminary reports confirm that five vehicles fell directly into the river after the bridge span collapsed. Authorities are still working to verify whether any two-wheelers or pedestrians were also on the bridge at the time.
Vehicles Involved:
- 2 heavy trucks
- 1 Eeco van
- 1 pickup vehicle
- 1 auto-rickshaw
- Possibly 2 motorcycles (unconfirmed)
Rescue Operations by NDRF and Emergency Services
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with Vadodara district fire services, has deployed teams with deep water divers, rescue boats, and advanced equipment to locate survivors and retrieve bodies.
Rescue Efforts Highlights:
- NDRF 6BN unit deployed from Vadodara
- Divers and underwater search teams active
- Three fire tenders from Anand district assisting
- Medical support teams at local hospitals
- Search continues for possible missing persons
Bridge Was Built in 1985 and Repaired in 2023
According to district officials, the Gambhira Bridge was constructed in 1985 and underwent repairs in 2023. The sudden collapse of a recently repaired structure has raised serious concerns about the safety standards and structural integrity of bridges across the state.
District Collector Anil Dhameliya said:
“The bridge underwent maintenance last year. We will investigate whether the repair work was up to standard. Engineers from the Roads and Bridges Department are arriving to inspect.”
Anger and Demands for Accountability Grow Among Locals
Local residents and civil society groups have expressed outrage, demanding answers and accountability. Many have questioned why no warning signs or structural audits flagged potential risks, especially since the bridge was over four decades old.
Public Demands:
- Immediate investigation into repair quality
- Suspension of officials involved in maintenance
- Statewide audit of old bridges
- Compensation for victims’ families
History Repeats: Gujarat’s Infrastructure in Spotlight Again
The Gujarat bridge collapse has reignited painful memories of the Morbi bridge disaster of 2022, where a colonial-era suspension bridge over the Machchu River collapsed, killing at least 132 people.
This latest incident puts Gujarat’s infrastructure safety under renewed national scrutiny.
India’s Infrastructure Safety Concerns Resurface
India has witnessed several infrastructure-related accidents in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for modern monitoring systems, frequent audits, and strict enforcement of construction standards.
Infrastructure Red Flags in India:
- Aging bridges over 30-50 years old still in use
- Poor quality repairs and corruption in tenders
- Lack of real-time structural health monitoring
- Delays in safety inspections and maintenance
Traffic Diversions and Public Safety Measures Initiated
Authorities have cordoned off the collapse site, and traffic is being diverted to alternate routes. Commuters in Vadodara and Anand districts have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel near the Mahisagar River corridor.
Key Takeaways from the Gujarat Bridge Collapse
- Gujarat bridge collapse claims 9 lives, with 9 rescued
- Bridge span collapse leads to five vehicles falling into the Mahisagar River
- Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, PM Modi call incident “deeply saddening”
- Rescue efforts ongoing by NDRF and fire services
- Bridge built in 1985, repaired in 2023 — raises safety concerns
- Public and political outrage over accountability and negligence
Conclusion: Time to Prioritize Safety Over Speed in Infrastructure Development
The Gambhira Bridge collapse in Gujarat is yet another grim reminder that India’s infrastructure growth must be matched with robust safety checks and transparent maintenance practices. While rescue teams continue their brave efforts, the government must ensure that such avoidable tragedies never happen again.
Conclusion: A Grim Reminder of India’s Aging Infrastructure The Gujarat Vadodara Gambhira Bridge collapse serves as a tragic reminder that India’s infrastructure requires urgent attention and investment. The loss of innocent lives due to structural failures should not be brushed aside as an accident — but treated as a failure of the system. As investigations unfold, the people of Gujarat, especially the victims’ families, await justice, accountability, and change in how public safety is ensured on the nation’s roads and bridges.
