Gambhira Bridge Collapses in Gujarat: 9 Dead, Multiple Vehicles Plunge into Mahisagar River
A slab of the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge near Vadodara collapsed during peak hours, causing nine deaths and injuring six. Rescue efforts are underway while authorities investigate the cause
image for illustrative purpose
In a tragic incident early Wednesday, a section of the Gambhira Bridge spanning the Mahisagar River in Padra taluka, Vadodara district, Gujarat, collapsed during peak morning traffic. The aged, 900‑metre-long structure—built in 1985—gave way around 7:30 a.m., sending two trucks, a Bolero SUV, a pickup van, and other vehicles plunging into the river.
Rescue teams comprising firefighters, local volunteers, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived promptly. Early this afternoon, officials confirmed at least nine fatalities and six injuries, with survivors being treated at nearby hospitals.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud cracking sound before the slab collapsed. CCTV and videos captured the terrifying moment, with a tanker seen hanging on the broken edge.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel dispatched technical teams and ordered a detailed investigation into the collapse. Vadodara’s Collector Anil Dhameliya confirmed recovery efforts are underway, with cranes and divers assisting in the operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced relief payments of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to each injured person.
Local residents had long warned of the bridge’s deteriorating condition, with multiple complaints about structural weaknesses reportedly ignored. The accident has disrupted road connectivity between Anand and Vadodara, prompting calls for safety audits of similar ageing bridges in the region.
