The death toll rose to nine after a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka of Gujarat’s Vadodara district collapsed on Wednesday morning, sending several vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River below. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions, with the Opposition slamming both the Union and Gujarat governments, calling the tragedy a "double failure" of the much-touted "double engine government."
The incident occurred during peak commuter hours, as the bridge, which links the Anand and Vadodara districts gave way under heavy traffic. According to officials, at least four vehicles, including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van, were crossing the structure when it suddenly crumbled.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the vehicles tumbled into the river. Emergency services, including fire brigade units, local police, and members of the Vadodara district administration, rushed to the site and launched immediate rescue operations.
Local residents also joined efforts to pull survivors from the wreckage. So far, three injured persons have been rescued and admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Search and rescue operations continued through the day, with drivers scouring the river for any individuals still missing. Cranes were deployed to retrieve the submerged vehicles.
Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the site shortly after the collapse to assess the situation. Authorities have since cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and have launched an inquiry into the cause of the failure.
The bridge is a critical artery connecting central Gujarat to Saurashtra and serves thousands of daily commuters from Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar. Locals have alleged long-standing negligence by authorities in maintaining the structure, despite its importance.
Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda expressed concern on social media, stating, “The main Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara districts has collapsed. Many vehicles have fallen into the river, and major casualties are feared. The administration must immediately carry out rescue operations and arrange alternate routes for traffic.”
Congress too chided the Gujarat government, accusing it of indulging in "rampant corruption." "In this accident, several vehicles fell into the river, resulting in the tragic death of some people and injuries to many others. The Congress family expresses deep condolences to the affected families. We also pray to God that He grants a speedy recovery to the injured. This accident exposes the rampant corruption carried out in the name of the 'Gujarat Model'," posted the Grand Old Party on "X".
The Trinamool Congress took a swipe at the Union government and the Gujarat government, calling the incident "double engine, double failure."LIVES LOST as yet another bridge collapses in Gujarat. From Morbi to Vadodara, how many more tragedies before accountability is ensured, @Bhupendrapbjp? Is this the much-celebrated “Gujarat Model” that PM @narendramodi continues to champion? Will this too be dismissed as an 'Act of God' or will you finally accept it for what it is: AN ACT OF FRAUD!" posted TMC on "X".
