At least nine people lost their lives, and several others were rescued after five vehicles plunged into a river in Gujarat’s Vadodara district due to the collapse of the Gambhira Bridge, which links Vadodara and Anand.
#WATCH | Vadodara, Gujarat | The Gambhira bridge on the Mahisagar river, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapses in Padra; local administration present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/7JlI2PQJJk
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
State minister and government spokesperson Rishikesh Patel said initial reports confirmed that at least five vehicles had fallen into the river after the bridge gave way.
Video footage showed a truck precariously balanced on the edge of the broken bridge, highlighting the severity of the collapse.
#WATCH | Vadodara (Gujarat) bridge collapse | Latest death toll stands at 9, at least 6 injured. Rescue operation underway.
Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya says, "…Rescue operation started this morning. Local swimmers, boats and team of Municipal Corporation reached the… pic.twitter.com/0UAxB9hUog
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
Given the heavy traffic on the bridge, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had approved a new bridge project worth Rs 212 crore three months ago, with design and tendering work already underway. After the collapse, the Chief Minister promptly sent the Chief Engineer, the bridge design team, and technical experts to the site and ordered a comprehensive report on the incident.
#WATCH | Vadodara (Gujarat) bridge collapse | SP Vadodara, Rohan Anand says, "…We came to know that a 10-15 metres slab in the middle of the bridge collapsed. There were two vehicles on the bridge that got stranded. Two trucks, two pickups and a rickshaw fell into the river… pic.twitter.com/MPhHhynhKG
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated on X that “The Road Construction Department has been instructed to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident. For this, a team comprising the Chief Engineer – Design, Chief Engineer – South Gujarat, and two private engineers with expertise in bridge construction has been directed to reach the site immediately, carry out a preliminary investigation into the cause of the collapse and other technical matters, and submit a report,”
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel condoles the loss of lives in the Gambhira bridge collapse, order investigation into the incident
The CM says, "The tragedy caused by the collapse of one of the 23 spans of the Gambhira bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara is sad. I pray for those… pic.twitter.com/sfIWCVO0MA
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
The Gambhira Bridge, built in 1981 and opened in 1985, had long shown signs of wear.
Describing the incident as “deeply saddening,” CM Patel confirmed that one of the bridge’s 23 spans had collapsed. He added that he had spoken with the Vadodara Collector to ensure immediate medical care for the injured and to expedite all necessary relief measures.
