VADODARA, India (Diya TV) — A portion of the 40-year-old Gambhira bridge in Padra taluk collapsed on Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people and plunging four vehicles into the Mahisagar River. The incident occurred during peak traffic hours and sparked a massive rescue and relief operation.
The collapsed bridge connected the Anand and Vadodara districts of Gujarat and served as a vital route for daily commuters. According to officials, the slab between two piers gave way, sending two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van into the river below. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound just moments before the vehicles fell into the water.
Local authorities responded quickly. Fire brigade teams from Vadodara, along with divers and rescue boats, reached the scene within minutes. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the effort. So far, three people have been rescued. Search teams continue to look for survivors and retrieve submerged vehicles.
Residents in the area said they had repeatedly warned officials about the crumbling condition of the Gambhira bridge. They claimed the structure had been neglected for years and had become dangerous for daily use. Some even referred to it as a known suicide spot due to its lack of safety barriers and deteriorating structure.
“The bridge was clearly unsafe. Many people raised concerns, but no action was taken,” said one local resident who asked not to be named.
The bridge, built in 1985, was a major link between Central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region. Thousands of vehicles used it daily to travel between cities such as Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said emergency medical treatment is being arranged for the injured. He confirmed that the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s fire brigade, along with the local municipality, is actively involved in rescue operations. Boats, divers, and cranes are being used at the site.
Patel added that the state’s Road and Building Department has been ordered to begin an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a post on X. He announced that families of those who died will receive Rs 2 lakh (about $2500) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Those injured in the accident will receive Rs 50,000 (about $600).
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said the bridge was constructed in 1985 and had undergone routine maintenance as needed. However, locals dispute this, saying visible cracks and structural damage were ignored by authorities.
“The exact cause will be investigated,” Patel stated. “We are focused on rescue and recovery at the moment.”
Visuals from the site show the broken section of the bridge submerged, with emergency crews working around the clock. Police have cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents. Officials have not yet confirmed how many more people may be missing.
Rescue operations are expected to continue into the night. Teams are using underwater cameras and sonar equipment to search for trapped victims. Authorities said the area will remain closed to traffic until safety checks are completed and a full assessment is made.
The Gambhira bridge collapse has triggered public outrage, with residents demanding accountability and better infrastructure safety. Questions are being raised about why repeated warnings were not taken seriously before this fatal incident.
