Gujarat Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead, 6 Injured After Vehicles Plunge Into Mahisagar River

At least nine people lost their lives and six others sustained injuries after a portion of the Gambhira bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district early Wednesday, causing several vehicles to fall into the Mahisagar River, according to news agency PTI.

The tragic incident occurred around 7:30 am and has disrupted road connectivity between Vadodara and Anand, halting vehicular movement along the crucial state highway route.

Rescue and Response Efforts

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed the casualty figures, stating that nine bodies had been recovered and six people were rescued. “Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken the matter very seriously. A high-level committee has been dispatched, and a detailed report has been sought immediately,” he said.

Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said rescue operations began promptly with help from local swimmers, boats, and municipal teams. Personnel from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), the Emergency Response Centre, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and administrative departments were actively involved in the ongoing rescue operation.

“Five injured were found initially, and a sixth was rescued later and is currently receiving medical treatment,” Dhameliya added.

Details of the Collapse

Visuals from the scene showed that a large slab of the bridge, spanning between two piers, had completely collapsed. Padra police inspector Vijay Charan said that at least four vehicles — including two trucks and two vans — fell into the river.

“The collapse caused these vehicles to plunge into the river. So far, four individuals have been rescued,” he said.

The collapsed structure is the 900-meter-long Gambhira bridge, constructed in 1985 with 23 piers. It serves as a key link between Vadodara and Anand districts.

Official Response and Investigation

Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that the bridge had undergone periodic maintenance and that a probe would determine the exact cause of the collapse. CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered technical experts to assess the site and identify potential lapses.

A team from the NDRF, equipped with rescue gear, has joined efforts at the site, along with local residents and the fire department.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and recovery operations proceed.