Vadodara, July 10 – Three people lost their lives and five others were rescued after a portion of the Gambhira bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district early Wednesday, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar river, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am when a slab of the nearly 40-year-old bridge, which spans the Mahisagar river and connects central Gujarat with the Saurashtra region, gave way between two piers. At least five to six vehicles—including two trucks and two vans—fell into the river below, according to Padra police inspector Vijay Charan.
“Three persons have died and five others have been rescued,” Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel told reporters. “The bridge was constructed in 1985, and maintenance was carried out periodically. The exact reason for the collapse will be investigated.”
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed a team of technical experts to rush to the site and conduct a thorough probe into the cause of the collapse. Visuals from the scene showed a large slab of the bridge completely dislodged, with debris scattered in the river and surrounding areas.
Rescue operations were swiftly launched, with teams from the Vadodara Fire Department, local authorities, and volunteers working together to pull survivors from the water. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also left for the site with specialised equipment to assist in the ongoing efforts.
The Gambhira bridge, inaugurated in 1985, spans 900 metres and includes 23 piers. It serves as a key link between Vadodara and Anand districts.
Authorities have not confirmed the number of people or vehicles still unaccounted for, as the search continues. The collapse has triggered concerns over the structural integrity of older bridges in the region, with officials promising accountability after the probe.
As rescue teams comb the area, traffic on the connecting route has been diverted, and security forces have cordoned off the site to facilitate emergency operations.
