Nine Dead as Gambhira Bridge Collapses in Gujarat, Rescue Ops Underway

Vadodara: A major tragedy struck Gujarat on Wednesday morning after a section of the decades-old Gambhira bridge collapsed in Vadodara’s Padra-Mujpur area, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River. At least nine people have been confirmed dead, with several others injured. A full-scale rescue operation is underway.

Shocking visuals of the incident surfaced on social media, showing one tanker teetering dangerously from the broken edge of the bridge while another vehicle lay partially submerged in the river. Eyewitnesses said the bridge suddenly gave way while traffic was moving across it, offering no time for drivers or passengers to react.

The bridge was a key connector between Anand and Vadodara districts, serving as a major route for commuters and goods transport from Saurashtra and central Gujarat. Its collapse has severely disrupted regional connectivity.

Local authorities were quick to arrive at the scene. Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, and divers, are on-site, with additional support from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) en route to assist in rescue efforts.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse and directed officials to prioritize rescue and medical assistance. The bridge, built in 1985, had shown signs of structural fatigue, according to residents and civic activists, who allege repeated warnings were ignored by the administration.