In a tragic incident in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, eight people lost their lives and five others were rescued after a section of the 40-year-old Gambhira bridge collapsed early Wednesday morning, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar river.
According to Vadodara Rural Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand, the bridge — built in 1985 — suddenly gave way around 7:30 am, causing five vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, to fall into the river.
Padra police inspector Vijay Charan confirmed the fatalities and added that five people were rescued and are currently receiving treatment.
Rescue efforts were quickly launched with the support of local residents, the Vadodara fire department, and later a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which rushed to the site with rescue equipment.
Visuals from the scene showed a large slab of the bridge having completely collapsed between two support piers.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said the bridge, which spans 900 metres and connects the central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions, had undergone periodic maintenance. However, he assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to find out the exact cause of the collapse.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered technical experts to examine the site and carry out a detailed probe.
The Gambhira bridge, inaugurated in 1985, has 23 piers and serves as a crucial link between Vadodara and Anand districts. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and structural integrity of aging infrastructure in the state.
Rescue operations were still ongoing.
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