Gujarat Bridge Collapse: Multiple Deaths as Vehicles Plunge into Mahisagar River
A tragic Gujarat bridge collapse in the Padra region of Vadodara district has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, with several others injured and many feared missing. The incident occurred when the Gambhira Bridge, located in Mujpur village, suddenly collapsed during evening traffic, sending vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River below.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse: Incident Overview
The collapse occurred around 6:45 PM on Tuesday, July 8, while vehicles were still moving across the bridge. Witnesses described the horrifying moment when a portion of the bridge gave way, causing multiple vehicles, including cars, two-wheelers, and a mini-truck, to fall into the river. According to local accounts, there were no barricades or visible warnings prior to the collapse.
One eyewitness, a fisherman who was nearby, said, “One by one, the vehicles just disappeared into the river. It looked like the bridge cracked open and swallowed them.”
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire brigades, and police teams, launched immediate rescue operations. As of Wednesday morning:
- Nine bodies have been recovered
- Four people are critically injured
- Several are still missing and feared trapped under water
Divers and rescue workers are using sonar equipment to locate submerged vehicles, but search operations are being hindered by strong river currents and poor visibility.
Bridge Condition and Preliminary Investigations
Initial investigations suggest that the bridge was several decades old and may not have undergone regular maintenance or structural assessments. Locals claim they had noticed cracks and signs of stress on the bridge in recent months, yet no repair or closure orders were issued.
Authorities have announced that a technical team of structural engineers will conduct a detailed forensic audit of the bridge to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Government Response
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has expressed condolences to the affected families and has announced the following:
- Compensation of ₹4 lakh to the families of the deceased
- Free medical care for the injured
- A full-scale investigation into the incident
The Public Works Department and the Road and Building Department have come under scrutiny for possible lapses in bridge maintenance and safety inspections.
Public Reaction and Accountability
The collapse has triggered public outrage, both locally and online, with citizens demanding accountability and urgent infrastructure reforms. Opposition leaders and activists are calling the incident a “man-made disaster,” citing negligence and lack of preventive action despite warnings.
Social media users have called for a state-wide audit of aging bridges and the urgent modernization of public infrastructure.
Future Steps and Traffic Diversion
Authorities have sealed off the entire area, and traffic is being rerouted through alternative routes connecting nearby villages. The state government is expected to announce a timeline for a new bridge construction once the rescue operation is complete.
In addition, a broader review of old bridges across Gujarat has been ordered to prevent such disasters in the future.
Summary of Gujarat Bridge Collapse
| Aspect | Information |
| Incident | Bridge collapse in Vadodara |
| Bridge Name | Gambhira Bridge |
| River | Mahisagar River |
| Location | Mujpur village, Padra taluka, Vadodara district |
| Casualties | 9 confirmed dead, several missing/injured |
| Vehicles Affected | 10+ (cars, bikes, mini-truck) |
| Rescue Agencies | NDRF, SDRF, Fire Brigade, Police |
| Compensation Announced | ₹4 lakh per deceased, free treatment for injured |
| Investigation Status | Technical audit and government inquiry underway |
| Public Sentiment | Widespread anger, calls for accountability |
This incident is a stark reminder of the need for rigorous infrastructure oversight and the prioritization of public safety in all civil construction projects.