Gambhira Bridge Collapse in Vadodara Claims 10 Lives, Triggers Statewide Probe and Rescue Operations

KalimNews | July 9, 2025 | Kolkata : A tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday morning in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, where a portion of the four-decade-old Gambhira bridge collapsed, causing several vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar river. The mishap claimed ten lives and left at least six individuals injured, all of whom have been rescued and are reported to be in stable condition. The collapse occurred around 7:30 AM, as confirmed by police and district officials on the scene.

According to reports, five to six vehicles—including trucks, vans, and a rickshaw—were on the bridge at the time of the incident. A 10 to 15-metre-long slab of the bridge is said to have collapsed mid-span, resulting in the vehicles falling into the river below. The Gambhira bridge, inaugurated in 1985, connects the Vadodara and Anand districts and is a vital link between central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region. It has 23 spans and stretches nearly 900 metres in length. The section that collapsed reportedly lies between two piers, a portion now completely severed.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken swift action in response to the calamity. He has instructed technical experts and a high-level committee to visit the site and initiate an in-depth probe into the cause of the structural failure. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences on social media platform X, mourning the loss of lives and affirming that necessary steps are being taken to assist the injured and their families. He further directed the Roads and Buildings Department to carry out a detailed investigation and implement preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel addressed the media, stating that although maintenance of the bridge was undertaken periodically, the precise cause of the collapse remains unknown and will be determined through expert evaluation. He emphasized the government's commitment to a thorough inquiry, with findings expected promptly.

Local authorities, including the Vadodara and Anand district administrations, launched immediate rescue efforts. Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya confirmed that municipal agencies, including the fire brigade, Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and emergency response units, responded without delay. Boats, divers, and other emergency personnel were deployed to locate and assist survivors.

Anand Collector Praveen Chaudhary provided preliminary information, stating that among the vehicles that fell were a truck, an Eco van, and multiple two-wheelers. Efforts were also made to stabilize a fuel tanker that remained precariously stuck on the remaining portion of the bridge. Vadodara Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand noted that traffic was immediately diverted to alternative routes to ensure public safety and facilitate the ongoing operations.

Although the bridge had reportedly undergone routine inspections and repairs over the years, the disaster has sparked widespread concern regarding the integrity of aging infrastructure across the state. Former officials and infrastructure experts have called for stricter oversight and regular audits of older public structures, particularly those that bear heavy vehicular loads daily.

The Gujarat government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh to the families of each deceased individual and ₹50,000 to those injured. Chief Minister Patel reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting victims and holding accountable those responsible, should any negligence be identified.

Rescue visuals from the site showed a gaping void where the bridge segment once stood, surrounded by emergency workers, boats, and cranes engaged in the recovery effort. The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams continuing their search in the river and surrounding areas.

As the investigation progresses, the state government has pledged full transparency and urgent action to ensure that such a disaster does not recur. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, as well as residents across Gujarat, await answers and reassurances about the safety of their roads and bridges.