Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], July 9: A major tragedy struck Gujarat’s Vadodara district on Wednesday morning as a portion of the Gambhira bridge in the Padra area collapsed, killing at least nine people and injuring six others, officials confirmed.
According to Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya, the bodies of nine victims have been recovered so far, and six injured persons have received medical treatment.
“We have recovered nine bodies so far. Five people were initially injured, and the sixth was just found and is being treated,” Dhameliya said.
Rescue efforts began immediately after the collapse, with multiple teams deployed, including the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), Emergency Response Centre, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police.
Dhameliya added, “Local swimmers, boats, and rescue units reached the site immediately. Two trucks, one pickup van, an Eco vehicle, and an auto rickshaw fell from the bridge. Two more vehicles were left hanging.”
Anand Collector Praveen Chaudhary confirmed that arrangements were being made to prevent a tanker from toppling off the damaged structure.
“Rescue operations are in full swing. We’re trying to stabilize the tanker stuck on the bridge. NDRF, police, and district teams are on the ground,” he stated.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken the incident seriously and dispatched a high-level committee to investigate.
“The CM has directed the Roads and Buildings Department and other teams to take urgent action. A report has been sought at the earliest,” he said.
Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel informed reporters that the bridge, built in 1985, connected Saurashtra and Central Gujarat and had undergone regular maintenance.
“Despite upkeep, this tragic incident occurred,” he said, while confirming five vehicles had fallen from the bridge.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Amit Chavda blamed the government’s negligence for the collapse.
“Repeated warnings were issued about the bridge’s condition. The government ignored them, and now innocent lives are lost. We demand a full inquiry and urge the government to audit all bridges in Gujarat and release fitness certificates publicly,” he asserted.