Vadodara: 10 dead as 45-year-old Gambhira bridge collapses in Padra

Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said, "The rescue operation started this morning. Local swimmers, boats and a team of Municipal Corporation reached the spot immediately. VMC, Emergency Response Centre, NDRF teams and other administration, Police team are here. The rescue operation is ongoing. We have recovered 9 bodies so far. 5 people are injured, a 6th injured was found just now, and he is being provided medical treatment".

Authorities have confirmed the deaths of nine individuals in the Vadodara bridge collapse incident. Around 10 people have been rescued alive, while reports indicate that five to six vehicles plunged into the river when the bridge gave way. Rescue operations are ongoing as officials continue to search for any remaining victims.

Anand SP Gaurav Jasani said, "A part of the bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara has collapsed. Three to four vehicles have fallen into the river. Rescue operations are underway.

PMO posted on X and said, "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. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

The collapse of a span of the Gambhira Bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara, has caused an accident that is deeply distressing to the heart. The state government stands with full compassion alongside every family affected by this tragedy. The state government will provide 4 lakh rupees to the heirs of each person who lost their life in the accident. Additionally, each person injured in the accident will receive assistance of 50,000 rupees, and all treatment arrangements will also be provided by the state government," Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said. 

The incident occurred near Mujpur village, where the bridge suddenly gave way as two trucks, a Bolero jeep, and another jeep were crossing. All four vehicles plunged into the flowing Mahisagar river on either side of the collapse. Locals quickly gathered at the site, and rescue efforts began almost immediately. According to initial reports, three people were rescued, while two are feared to have died in the accident.

Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel said, "Today, the bridge connecting Saurashtra and Central Gujarat, Anand and Padra, has collapsed. It has been learnt that about five vehicles, big and small, have fallen. Five people have been rescued. This bridge was built in 1985. Regular maintenance and repair of this bridge were done, but this unfortunate incident has happened."

Locals join rescue; emergency services rushed to the spot

As news of the collapse spread, villagers from Mujpur and nearby areas rushed to help. Some locals entered the river to assist in rescue operations and helped pull out survivors from the submerged vehicles. The 108 emergency ambulance service also arrived at the scene swiftly. After the tragic incident, several people observed a moment of silence at the remains of the bridge, mourning the lives lost.

Neglect alleged: Locals blame authorities

Residents have blamed the administration for the disaster, claiming that repeated requests for repairing the decades-old bridge were ignored. Locals allege that despite warnings, the authorities failed to take action, leading to the bridge collapse and resulting casualties. The Gambhira bridge, a key connector between Vadodara and Anand, had visibly deteriorated over the years and was no longer fit for heavy traffic, residents said.

Authorities arrive, investigation underway

Soon after the collapse, officials, including the Padra Mamlatdar, local police, and district crime branch officers, including PI Sisodia, reached the spot to assess the situation and coordinate rescue operations.

Efforts are underway to retrieve the vehicles from the river and recover any missing persons. Divers have been deployed to search the water, as the full extent of the tragedy is still being assessed. The collapse has triggered widespread public anger and renewed calls for urgent infrastructure audits across the state.