At least three people lost their lives on Wednesday morning after several vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar River following the collapse of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat’s Vadodara district.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 7:30 am when a portion of the bridge, constructed in 1985 and spanning 900 metres, gave way, causing at least four vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, to fall into the river.
Confirming the fatalities, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said, “Three persons were killed in the bridge collapse in Vadodara district.”
The bridge collapse has disrupted road connectivity between Anand and Vadodara, severely affecting vehicular movement along the key route. The Gambhira bridge, with its 23 piers, serves as a critical link between the two districts.
Visuals from the scene showed that the entire slab between two piers had caved in. A rescue operation was immediately launched, involving the Vadodara fire department, local residents, and specialised teams.
Padra police inspector Vijay Charan said, “Around four vehicles fell into the river after a portion of the bridge on the Mahisagar River collapsed around 7:30 am. We have rescued four persons so far.” He added that the operation to search for more victims was ongoing.
In response to the incident, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed technical experts to investigate the cause of the collapse. Officials said the Chief Minister has also asked for a detailed report.
Minister Rushikesh Patel noted that although the bridge had been built in 1985, “its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required.” He assured the media that, “The exact reason behind the incident will be probed.”
A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.
