Key Points
- Nine people killed, several others injured after the Gambhira (Padra-Mujpur) bridge collapsed in Vadodara district, Gujarat.
- At least five vehicles, including trucks and vans, plunged into the Mahisagar River.
- The bridge, built in 1985, was a vital link between Vadodara and Anand districts.
- Locals and rescue teams rushed to the scene; rescue operations are ongoing.
- Allegations of administrative negligence as locals claim repeated warnings were ignored.
- Regional connectivity between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra severely disrupted.
Vadodara: In a devastating incident early Wednesday morning, the decades-old Gambhira bridge over the Mahisagar River in Gujarat’s Vadodara district collapsed, sending multiple vehicles including trucks, a pickup van, and cars plunging into the river below. The collapse, which occurred around 7:30 am during peak traffic hours, has claimed at least nine lives and left several others injured or missing.
Scene of Chaos and Heroic Rescue Efforts
Eyewitnesses described a sudden, loud cracking sound before a section of the bridge gave way, causing vehicles to tumble into the swollen river. Local residents from Mujpur and nearby villages were among the first to respond, bravely joining police and fire brigade teams in frantic rescue efforts. At least five people have been rescued so far, with emergency services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) divers working tirelessly to locate survivors and retrieve vehicles from the water.
Administrative Response and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities, including the Vadodara Collector and senior police officials, arrived swiftly at the site. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a thorough investigation, dispatching technical experts and bridge engineers to determine the cause of the collapse. A new bridge project worth ₹212 crore had been approved just three months prior, with design and tendering already underway.
Negligence Allegations: Locals Demand Accountability
Anger and grief have swept through the region as locals accuse the administration of gross negligence. Residents claim that the bridge, inaugurated in 1985, had visibly deteriorated over the years and was no longer safe for heavy traffic. Despite repeated pleas for urgent repairs or a complete overhaul, authorities allegedly failed to act a lapse many believe directly led to the tragedy.
“Repeated requests for repairing the decades-old bridge were ignored. Despite warnings, the authorities failed to take action, leading to the collapse and these casualties,” said a local resident.
Impact on Regional Connectivity
The Gambhira bridge was a crucial arterial route, connecting Vadodara and Anand and serving as a key link for transport between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra. Its collapse has not only caused loss of life but also severely disrupted regional transport and commerce, affecting thousands of daily commuters and goods movement.
What Happens Next?
- Rescue operations continue as divers search for missing persons and vehicles.
- Technical probe launched to determine the structural failure and assign responsibility.
- Calls for accountability and urgent infrastructure audits grow louder across Gujarat.
Timeline of the Incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~7:30 am | Bridge collapses; vehicles plunge into Mahisagar River |
| Shortly after | Locals, police, and fire brigade begin rescue operations |
| Morning | NDRF team and administrative officials arrive on scene |
| Ongoing | Rescue, recovery, and investigation efforts continue |
The collapse of the Gambhira bridge is a stark reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance and accountability. As rescue teams work against the clock, the tragedy has sparked a debate on administrative responsibility and the safety of aging public structures in India.
