Vadodara, Gujarat — July 9, 2025 : At least nine people lost their lives and several others were injured after a portion of the four-decade-old Gambhira bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River.
The tragic incident occurred around 7:30 AM, when a large slab of the bridge gave way, causing five to six vehicles — including two trucks and two vans — to fall into the river. Police and local authorities confirmed that nine bodies had been recovered so far, with fears that the death toll may rise due to the critical condition of some of the injured.
Constructed in 1986, the Gambhira bridge spans 832 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width, connecting the central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions. With 23 piers, the bridge plays a key role in regional transportation, linking Vadodara on one end and Anand on the other. Officials say traffic between the two regions will face significant disruption in the coming days.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi addressed the media, stating: “The Chief Minister has taken this matter very seriously. A high-level committee was dispatched to the site in the morning. A team from the Roads and Buildings Department, along with other agencies, has been directed to take immediate action.”
A large-scale rescue operation is underway involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Vadodara fire services, and local volunteers. District Collector of Anand, Praveen Chaudhary, confirmed that one fuel tanker remains precariously balanced on the edge of the collapsed section, posing additional risk to ongoing efforts.
“We are doing everything to stabilize the tanker and avoid further damage,” said Chaudhary. Teams from both Anand and Vadodara administrations, as well as the police and NDRF, are on site and coordinating rescue and relief work.
Anand Superintendent of Police Gaurav Jasani said several vehicles remain submerged. “Relief operations are ongoing. Our immediate focus is on saving lives,” he noted.
from Anand, was among the first officials to arrive at the site. “I received a call at 8:22 AM about the collapse. I immediately contacted the District Collector and SP. Medical teams have been deployed, and rescue operations are in full swing,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media platform X, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” His office announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 to the injured.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway. With the bridge serving as a critical link between two major regions, officials are also working on alternative routes and traffic management measures to ease the disruption.
Rescue operations are expected to continue through the night as authorities work to locate any remaining victims and secure the site.
