Here’s what’s known so far about the tragedy in Vadodara, Gujarat:
- Date & Time: The incident occurred early on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, around 7:30 AM local time.
- Location & Structure: A 15–20 meter central span of the 1985-built Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar (Mahi) River, near Mujpur in Padra taluka, collapsed. It was a key connection between Vadodara and Anand/Saurashtra.
- Casualties: Latest official figures report at least 13 deaths, including two children, with 5–6 injured. Earlier counts varied (9–11), but sources like Times of India confirm 13 fatalities.
- Vehicles Involved: Initial reports mention five to six vehicles—including trucks, vans, an auto-rickshaw, a pick-up, and two motorcycles—plunged ~50–60 feet into the river.
- Rescue Efforts: Villagers responded immediately, with support from Vadodara fire brigade, police, local administration, NDRF, and SDRF. Boats, divers, and cranes were deployed; survivors recount the overwhelming sound of cracking concrete as vehicles plunged in. Reactions & Investigation:
- PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences.
- PM announced ₹200,000 compensation per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured from the PM Relief Fund.
- Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel ordered a high-level inquiry and approved ₹400,000 compensation per family of the deceased (₹50,000 per injured) from the state.
- Context & Concerns: The bridge was flagged as deteriorating as early as 2017 and again in 2022, but despite periodic maintenance and even a new replacement bridge project approved recently, structural weaknesses remained unaddressed. This incident reignites critical concerns about ageing infrastructure in Gujarat.
🔍 Summary
An ageing, 40-year-old bridge—long flagged for safety issues—gave way on July 9, 2025, causing vehicles to fall into the river and tragically killing at least 13 people, with several more injured. Emergency responders and local villagers engaged in rapid rescue operations. Authorities have launched multiple investigations, and both central and state governments announced compensation packages.
Would you like detailed information on survivors’ accounts, photos/videos of the collapse, or historical comparisons with past bridge failures in the region?
