Published Jul 09, 2025 | 4:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2025 | 4:35 PM
Gujarat bridge collapse. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: At least nine died after a section of Gujarat’s Gambhira bridge collapsed on 9 July, plunging vehicles into the Mahisagar River. Rescue teams, including NDRF, rushed to the site. PM Modi and CM Bhupendra Patel announced ex-gratia aid. Congress blamed the BJP government, demanding statewide bridge safety inspections.
At least nine people have been killed and several others are feared trapped as Gambhira bridge has collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district collapsed on Wednesday, 9 July.
According to The Hindu report, five to six vehicles — including two trucks and two vans — plunged into the Mahisagar River after a slab of the Gambhira bridge collapsed, Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said, adding five people have been rescued so far.
The bridge is located on the Mahisagar river which connects central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions of the state.
The minister further said the bridge was constructed in 1985, and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required, “The exact reason behind the incident will be probed.”
Further reports stated that Vadodara district fire and emergency teams, along with the NDRF, were rushed to the scene for rescue efforts.
Anil Dhameliya, Vadodara District Collector told Indian Express that the area is not the deepest part of the river, and rescue is being undertaken, “As of now, we know that two trucks, an Eeco van, a pickup van, and an auto-rickshaw plunged into the river when a portion of the bridge gave way suddenly.”
“There were two motorcycles on the bridge at the time as well, but so far, we have no confirmation whether they also plunged into the river. We are yet to ascertain the identities of the people as we are focusing on the rescue work,” he added.
In 2022, Morbi bridge laid over the Machhu River close to western Gujarat’s Morbi town collapsed killing 141 people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for deceased, and ₹50,000 for injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office wrote on X: “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM”
The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 9, 2025
Further, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressing condolences, announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh for the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
He wrote on X: “The collapse of a span of the Gambhira Bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara, has caused an accident that is deeply distressing to the heart. The state government stands with full compassion alongside every family affected by this tragedy. The state government will provide assistance of 4 lakh rupees to the heirs of each person who lost their life in the accident. Additionally, each person injured in the accident will receive assistance of 50,000 rupees, and all treatment arrangements will also be provided by the state government.”
આણંદ વડોદરાને જોડતા ગંભીરા બ્રિજનો એક ગાળો તૂટી જવાથી સર્જાયેલી દુઘર્ટના મનને અત્યંત વ્યથિત કરનારી છે.
રાજ્ય સરકાર આ દુર્ઘટનાથી અસરગ્રસ્ત પ્રત્યેક પરિવારની સાથે પૂરી સંવેદનાથી તેમની પડખે ઊભી છે.
દુર્ઘટનામાં જીવ ગુમાવનારા પ્રત્યેક વ્યક્તિના વારસદારને 4 લાખ રૂપિયાની સહાય રાજ્ય…
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) July 9, 2025
Meanwhile Congress MLA Anil Chavda criticised the BJP government in Gujarat for the mishap.
He wrote on X: “Vadodara – The collapse of the Gambhira Bridge connecting Anand is not an accident, but a result of the Gujarat government’s negligence. Our demand from the government is to inspect all bridges across Gujarat and present their safety certificates in the public domain. Offering tributes to all the departed souls and wishing for the speedy recovery of the victims.”
वडोदरा -आनंद को जोड़ने वाला गंभीरा ब्रिज टूटकर गिरना एक दुर्घटना नहीं, गुजरात सरकार की लापरवाही का नतीजा है ।
सरकार से हमारी माँग है की पूरे गुजरात के सभी पूल का निरीक्षण कर उसका सेफ्टी सर्टिसिफ़ेट पब्लिक डोमेन पर प्रस्तुत करे ।सभी मृतक दिव्या आत्मा को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित कर,… pic.twitter.com/DlqJ5XvmQI
— Amit Chavda (@AmitChavdaINC) July 9, 2025
