Gujarat bridge collapse: All you need to know about the incident that killed 9 in Vadodara

On Wednesday, a regular day in Vadodara turned tragic after a busy bridge dramatically collapsed, costing the lives of at least nine people.

The 40-year-old structure, Gambhira bridge, suddenly plunged into the Mahisagar River. Multiple vehicles fell into water. Five persons were rescued and rushed to a nearby healthcare for medical attention.

What led to the collapse?

In several reports, the age-old bridge was described as a "dilapidated" one, suggesting it needed repair.

Gujarat minister Rushikesh Patel told news agency ANI that the bridge was constructed in 1985, and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required. However, he noted that the exact reason behind the incident will be probed.

Earlier today, Padra police inspector Vijay Charan told news agency PTI that the incident occurred at around 7.30 am and the vehicles that fell into the river included two trucks and two vans.

Vadodara collector Anil Dhameliya confirmed that nine dead bodies have been recovered while search operation was on to find the missing persons.

A rescue operation is being carried out with the help of local villagers.

The bridge served as a major route connecting central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions of the state.

Condition of the bridge reported months ago

Visuals showing the poor condition of the Gambhira bridge had surfaced online in April, when an Ahmedabad-based news journalist reported the dilapidated state of the structure on camera. The footage captured cracks that had developed on the age-old bridge and weakened it.

Another social media-based reporter had also highlighted the condition of the bridge in one of his recent videos. Identified as Vicky Shrimani, the YouTuber gave a preview of the bridge and suggested it was a result of corruption and government failure.

Uploading his clip online, Shrimani wrote, "Mujpur Gambhira Bridge has huge potholes due to corruption. Why is the government not thinking ahead to build this bridge which has been in a dilapidated condition for years?"

Similar incident

Years ago, in 2022, another bridge collapsed in the state.

The historic Morbi Suspension Bridge tragically took the lives of 135 people, leaving over 56 others injured.

Built in 1879, the bridge was undoubtedly a popular tourist attraction constructed over the Machchhu River. It reportedly collapsed due to overcrowding days after it had reopened after renovation.