Gujarat bridge collapse: 13 dead as multiple vehicles fall into Mahisagar River in Vadodara’s Padra

Dubai: In a tragic incident that has once again raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in India, at least 13 people lost their lives when a portion of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning in Gujarat’s Vadodara district.

The bridge, built in 1985, gave way during peak traffic hours around 7am, sending several vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River.

According to Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, six people were rescued from the river, and the bodies of 13 victims were recovered during an ongoing rescue operation.

The collapse occurred in Padra taluka, a region that has been experiencing heavy rainfall over the past several days. The bridge was a crucial link between the Anand and Vadodara districts and served as a vital artery for commuters traveling between Central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound just moments before the structure gave way. Four vehicles — two trucks, a Bolero SUV, a pickup van — along with a rickshaw and some bikes, were on the bridge when it collapsed.

Some vehicles were seen dangling dangerously off the edge, and authorities have taken measures to prevent further damage or loss of life.

Immediate rescue efforts were launched by local fire brigades, Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), police teams, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel.

Local residents also played a crucial role in helping to extract survivors and support emergency operations. Boats, swimmers, and cranes were deployed to retrieve both survivors and submerged vehicles.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and ordered a high-level technical investigation. He confirmed that a team including senior engineers from the Road Construction Department and two private bridge specialists had been dispatched to assess the cause of the collapse.

The Chief Minister has instructed authorities to prioritize treatment for the injured and to take strict action based on the findings of the investigation.

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, who confirmed that several people had been rescued, also highlighted that the bridge had long been a matter of concern for residents.

Locals alleged that warnings about the deteriorating condition of the bridge had been repeatedly ignored. They also noted that the bridge had become infamous not only as a traffic hazard but also as a known suicide point.

India’s aging infrastructure, often plagued by poor maintenance and overuse, continues to pose significant risks to public safety.

With rescue operations still underway and investigations ongoing, the Gambhira bridge collapse has once again underscored the urgent need for rigorous structural assessments.