In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, nine people lost their lives when a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka, Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed, sending multiple vehicles crashing into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River.
The accident occurred during peak traffic hours, as the bridge — a crucial link between Anand and Vadodara districts — gave way under the weight of traffic. Three others were injured and rushed to hospitals.
Vehicles Plunged After Sudden Collapse
Preliminary reports suggest four vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. These included two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the vehicles plummeted into the river. Panic spread quickly as the bridge section gave way without warning.
Immediate Rescue Efforts Launched
Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, local police, and the Vadodara district administration, were swiftly dispatched. Local residents joined in the rescue efforts, helping to retrieve survivors from the wreckage.
Three individuals have been rescued so far and are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
MLA, Leaders React
Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the site shortly after the incident. Authorities sealed off the area to ensure safety and prevent further movement on or near the damaged structure. An investigation into the cause of the collapse has been launched.
Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda expressed his concern on social media, writing:
“The main Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara districts has collapsed. Many vehicles have fallen into the river, and major casualties are feared. The administration must immediately carry out rescue operations and arrange alternate routes for traffic.”
Locals Blame Neglect
Local residents voiced frustration, claiming that long-standing warnings about the deteriorating condition of the bridge had gone unheeded. Many pointed out that the Gambhira bridge was a key route not only for daily commuters between Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar, but also vital for connecting Central Gujarat with Saurashtra.
One local resident said:
“This bridge had become both a traffic hazard and a known suicide point. Authorities ignored multiple alerts about its condition.”
Search and Recovery Ongoing
Divers are still searching the river for missing persons, and cranes have been deployed to pull out submerged vehicles from the water. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Audit of Similar Structures Likely
Following this collapse, the state government is expected to order a comprehensive safety audit and technical inspection of other bridges and similar structures across the region to prevent further tragedies.
More details are awaited as investigations proceed.
