Gujarat bridge collapse: Death toll rises to nine, bridge was only 40 years old

AHMEDABAD: The death toll from the Gambhira Bridge collapse in Padra, Vadodara district, has risen to nine. The accident occurred during busy morning hours, when a portion of the bridge suddenly gave way, sending five vehicles plunging into the river below.

A video clip showing a tanker truck hanging on the edge of the broken section just before falling into the water has gone viral on social media.

Vadodara Rural SP Rohan Anand confirmed that nine bodies have been recovered so far, while around ten people have been rescued. Authorities fear the number of casualties may increase. Local administration, police, fire force personnel, and nearby residents rushed to the spot soon after the accident and managed to rescue five people, who were immediately taken to the hospital.

Heavy cranes have been brought in to lift submerged vehicles from the river. Preliminary reports suggest that poor maintenance and the bridge’s deteriorating condition may have caused the collapse.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a full investigation and sent a team of technical experts to the site. In a post on social media, he confirmed that one of the 23 spans of the Gambhira Bridge had collapsed.

“I have directed the Vadodara Collector to ensure immediate medical attention for the injured and to treat the situation as a top priority,” the Chief Minister said.

This marks the second major bridge collapse in Gujarat in recent years. In 2022, 135 people died when a bridge collapsed in Morbi. The Gambhira Bridge, built in 1985, connects Anand and Vadodara districts.