40-year-old Gambhira Bridge collapse sends multiple vehicles into river, three lives lost while five remain in critical condition
by Utsav RoyA section of a 40-year-old bridge gave way, causing multiple vehicles to plunge into a river. The accident resulted in three fatalities, while five others remain in critical condition following the collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing at the site.
The incident occurred at Gambhira Bridge, in Vadodara district, in western India’s Gujarat, on July 9.
Visuals show that a middle section of the bridge collapsed, causing moving vehicles to fall into the river below. Seeing this, nearby people quickly gathered and continued rescue operations with the help of ropes.
According to reports, the accident took place at Gambhira Bridge during busy morning hours when traffic was heavy. Gujarat’s Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, said that five to six vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar River. The bridge, built in 1985, has been maintained periodically as needed. The minister confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the collapse will be conducted.
The mishap occurred on the Padra–Mujpur route, a vital link between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by local authorities. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered technical experts to visit the site and carry out a thorough probe into the collapse.
Footage revealed that the entire bridge slab between two piers had given way. The incident happened around 7:30 am, with vehicles including two trucks and two vans falling into the river, according to Padra police inspector Vijay Charan.
Firefighters from Vadodara and local residents participated in rescue efforts, which are still ongoing. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has dispatched a team equipped with rescue gear to the location.
Stretching 900 meters and supported by 23 piers, Gambhira Bridge connects the Vadodara and Anand districts in Gujarat and was inaugurated in 1985.