On July 9, 2025, the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge collapse Vadodara, causing multiple vehicles to fall into Mahisagar River. 9+ people got killed.
Horrific Gambhira Bridge Collapse in Vadodara
What Happened? How Gambhira Bridge collapsed Suddenly?
Early morning on July 9, 2025, a portion of the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge, a key link between Vadodara and Anand districts over the Mahisagar River, collapsed around 7:30 AM, sending multiple vehicles—two trucks, a Bolero/Eeco van, an auto-rickshaw, and motorcycles—plunging into the river. Bystanders and locals immediately alerted emergency services, triggering massive rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF, local police, fire brigade, and disaster teams.
Casualties & Rescue Update: Gambhira Bridge collapse Vadodara
Fatalities: Official reports confirm nine to ten deaths, with Al Jazeera mentioning at least nine confirmed bodies recovered. Times of India later updated the death toll to ten, and some reports mention thirteen.
Injured: At least five to nine injured, shifted to nearby hospitals in Vadodara and Padra, including SSG Hospital.
Survivors: A notable story is of Sonal Padhiyar, the only survivor from an Eeco van, who narrowly escaped.
Why It Collapsed – Structural Neglect & Warning Signs
Bridge Facts: Constructed in 1985, the concrete bridge was nearing 40 years in service, connecting vital regions.
Warning Ignored: A viral phone call from August 2022 with the Roads & Buildings officer revealed internal warnings that the bridge was “structurally weak” and “would not last long”. A Gram Panchayat member also flagged concerns in 2022—yet, despite proposals and minor repairs, no serious action was taken.
Also Read – 9 July India Weather Forecast.
Official Claim: Road & Bridges Executive Engineer Nayakawala denied any visible defects, citing routine maintenance and saying the bridge was fit with no “major structural damage”. This contradiction has sparked public anger and calls for accountability.
Government & Official Response
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an urgent probe by the state’s R&B department and private bridge specialists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, offering ₹2 lakh to victims’ families and ₹50,000 to the injured from the PM-Relief Fund.
Other state leaders, including Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, confirmed ongoing rescue efforts and ordered road closures in the area.
Police have registered an accidental death case and are collecting data for a detailed inquiry.
Eyewitness Clip Of Gambhira Bridge collapse Vadodara
The viral video captures a tanker dangling from the broken span, screams and cries echoing across the river—moving and heart-wrenching.
The Bigger Picture: Gujarat’s Bridge Safety Woes
This tragedy has reignited public discussion on infrastructure safety in Gujarat. Over recent years, multiple bridge collapses—from Morbi (2022) to local bridges in Surat—have revealed patterns of design flaws, ignored alerts, and poor maintenance. Critics argue that without drastic reforms and real accountability, such preventable disasters will continue.
FAQs About Gambhira Bridge Collapse
Q1: What caused the Gambhira Bridge to collapse?
A: Initial evidence suggests structural failure due to long-term neglect. A 2022 warning about the bridge being “unsafe” went unaddressed.
Q2: How many people died or were injured?
A: Between 9–13 fatalities reported, the range varies across sources. Injuries number 5–9, depending on hospital records.
Q3: Who is coordinating the rescue?
A: The rescue operation includes the NDRF, SDRF, local fire brigade, police, and district disaster teams from Vadodara and Anand.
Q4: Has any compensation been announced?
A: Yes. ₹2 lakh announced for each deceased family and ₹50,000 for injured individuals from the PM’s Relief Fund.
Q5: Will there be legal action?
A: An accidental death case is filed. Further investigations will examine bureaucratic inaction and prior warnings. Officials face pressure for criminal accountability.
Q6: What monitoring is being planned for other bridges?
A: The incident triggered demands for regular structural audits, timely upgrades, and strict enforcement against contractors involved in shoddy construction.
Final Thoughts
This tragedy is more than a headline—it’s about real people, families shattered, trust broken in public institutions, and untapped warnings. While rescue teams race against time, our demand should be clear: permanent reforms, real accountability, and care for those left behind.
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