A tragic incident unfolded in Gujarat's Vadodara district on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as a section of the Gambhira bridge collapsed, resulting in at least 13 fatalities. The bridge, which spanned the Mahi River near Mujpur village, caved in, causing multiple vehicles to plunge into the river below. Among the vehicles were three trucks, two pick-up vans, an auto-rickshaw, and a car.
The Gambhira Bridge, approximately 25 km from Vadodara city, served as a crucial link between central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region. Built in 1985, the 830-meter long bridge was a frequently used route for transport vehicles. Many commuters favored it as an alternative to avoid tolls on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway.
According to reports, a 15 to 20-meter segment of the bridge gave way around 7:30 am, leading to the vehicles crashing into the Mahisagar River. The sudden collapse stirred a chaotic scene, with eyewitnesses recounting how vehicles tumbled into the water. Initial rescue efforts were mounted by residents of nearby Dabka and Mujpur villages, who responded to the sounds of the collapsing structure and cries for help. Later, rescue teams from the Vadodara fire brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the operation.
Authorities have confirmed that 13 people died in the collapse, including two children. Additionally, several people sustained injuries and were promptly taken to nearby hospitals. Rescue teams managed to pull out nine survivors from the river, with five receiving treatment at Vadodara's SSG Hospital. Search operations continued late into Wednesday evening to retrieve any remaining trapped vehicles, with concerns that the death toll may rise.
The incident has triggered widespread grief and concern, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for each injured person. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured.
In the wake of the collapse, questions have arisen regarding the bridge's maintenance and structural integrity. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that the bridge was constructed in 1985 and that maintenance was carried out periodically. However, he also assured that the exact reason behind the incident would be probed. The Gujarat Congress has criticized the state government, holding it responsible for the collapse. A team of technical experts has been directed to the site to investigate the cause of the collapse.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, reports have emerged indicating prior warnings about the bridge's deteriorating condition. A recorded phone conversation from August 2022 revealed an Roads & Buildings (R&B) department officer acknowledging the bridge's unsound structure. Despite this awareness, no action was taken to address the issues. A district panchayat member had also submitted multiple requests for urgent repairs, which were allegedly ignored. This negligence has fueled public outrage, with demands for accountability and criminal action against those responsible.
The Gambhira bridge collapse is the latest in a series of bridge-related accidents in India, raising concerns about the safety of aging public structures.
