A section of the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara district collapsed at approximately 7:30 AM IST on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, killing at least nine people and injuring several others. The incident, which occurred on the Padra-Mujpur stretch, sent five to six vehicles, including two trucks, two vans, and an auto-rickshaw, into the river, disrupting connectivity between Vadodara and Anand districts. As of 2:43 PM IST, rescue operations are ongoing, and officials warn that the casualty toll may increase as searches continue.
So far, nine fatalities have been confirmed, with nine individuals rescued, six of whom are injured and receiving medical treatment. Speaking on the incident, Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said, “We have rescued five people with simple injuries, and two have been confirmed dead,” noting that rescue efforts are ongoing, suggesting the possibility of additional casualties as more victims may be trapped in submerged vehicles. Medical Officer Rahul Singh stated, “A total of five patients came here, and they have been referred. So far, we have received 10 bodies,” suggesting the toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed, “9 bodies have been recovered and 6 people have been rescued,” emphasizing that the Chief Minister has prioritized a swift investigation, implying ongoing efforts may uncover more victims. Authorities have noted that “many more are feared trapped,” reinforcing that the casualty figure is not final and could increase as rescue teams search for missing individuals.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue efforts involve the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local swimmers, and fire brigade units with boats and divers. Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya noted, “Rescue operation started this morning. Local swimmers, boats, and team of Municipal Corporation reached the spot immediately. VMC, Emergency Response Centre, NDRF teams, and other administration, Police team are here.” Locals from Mujpur and nearby areas have also assisted, with some entering the river to aid survivors. Visuals from the site showed a truck hanging precariously on the collapsed bridge and a woman trapped in the river crying for help for her son, believed to be in an overturned Eeco van.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, stating, “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called the incident “deeply distressing” and announced state compensation of Rs. 4 lakh for the heirs of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured, with medical treatment arranged by the state. Patel ordered an investigation, stating, “A team comprising the Chief Engineer–Design, the Chief Engineer–South Gujarat, and two private engineers, who are bridge construction experts, has been instructed to reach the site immediately, conduct a preliminary investigation into the reasons for the collapse and other technical aspects, and submit a report.”
The 900-metre-long Gambhira Bridge, with 23 piers, was inaugurated in 1985 and connects Vadodara and Anand districts, serving as a vital link for transport vehicles between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra. Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel noted, “This bridge was built in 1985. Regular maintenance and repair of this bridge were done, but this unfortunate incident has happened.” The collapse of one span has disrupted traffic, with authorities diverting vehicles to alternate routes. The incident has intensified calls for infrastructure audits across Gujarat, with locals and opposition leaders demanding accountability for the bridge’s neglected state. (Rh/Eth/RS)
