A devastating bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara district early Wednesday morning has claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, including members of a family, as multiple vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar River. The tragedy unfolded during peak traffic hours when a span of the 43-year-old Gambhira-Mujpur bridge suddenly gave way.

The incident, which occurred near Mujpur in Padra taluka, disrupted a crucial link between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra, impacting connectivity between the Anand and Vadodara districts. Witnesses described hearing a loud cracking noise moments before vehicles — including two trucks, an SUV, a pickup van, and an autorickshaw — fell into the river below.

Rescue Ops and Toll Update

Rescue operations involving local police, fire brigades, residents, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams began immediately. According to Vadodara (rural) Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand, nine bodies were recovered initially, but the death toll later rose to ten. “We will also seek an inquiry report from the district collector,” he confirmed.

Officials feared the toll could rise further, with at least three people still feared missing. NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, equipped with boats and deep-water divers, were combing the river in search of survivors. “It is not the deepest part of the river, and rescue is being undertaken,” District Collector Anil Dhameliya said.

Heartbreaking Moments and Eyewitness Accounts

One of the most haunting visuals from the scene shows a fuel tanker hanging dangerously off the edge of the collapsed bridge — suspended in a precarious balance. The driver, who reportedly escaped, has since disappeared from the site.

Raju Hathiya, a truck driver from Dwarka who survived the fall, recalled, “We were two people in my vehicle… I am not sure where my cleaner is. The truck just fell into the water. I came out from my side… Later, someone came and pulled me out in a boat.”

In one chilling video, a trapped woman could be heard crying for her son, feared stuck in an overturned Eeco van submerged in the river.

Among the victims were Ramesh Padhiyar, Vedika Padhiyar, and Naitaik Padhiyar from Dariyapura village. The sole survivor from their Eeco van was Sonal Padhiyar, who lost her husband and two children in the tragedy.

Bridge Under Scrutiny

The Gambhira Bridge was constructed in 1985 and had undergone repairs just last year. Despite this, its deteriorating condition had long been a concern for locals. In 2017, Congress had demanded a ban on heavy vehicles on the structure. “The Gambhira bridge has become notorious not just as a traffic hazard but also as a suicide point. Repeated warnings about its condition were ignored,” a resident said.

Following the collapse, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered a detailed investigation. “I have directed the Roads and Buildings Department to conduct an immediate investigation into this accident,” Patel stated. He dispatched a team of engineers and technical experts to conduct a preliminary analysis of the collapse, which he confirmed was due to the failure of one of the bridge’s 23 spans.

Government Response and Relief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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.” He announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

Chief Minister Patel confirmed that immediate medical assistance was being provided to the injured and that priority was given to relief efforts. “Instructions have been given after speaking with the Vadodara Collector to arrange immediate medical treatment for the injured and to prioritise necessary arrangements,” he posted on X.

Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala and Anklav Congress MLA Amit Chavda visited the site and emphasized the urgent need for alternative routes and faster rescue efforts. “The administration must immediately carry out rescue operations and arrange alternate routes for traffic,” Chavda posted.

Future Action and Accountability

The state had already approved a new Rs 212 crore bridge three months prior to the incident, with design and tendering in progress. However, the tragedy has raised serious questions about the safety of aging infrastructure across Gujarat. Officials are now expected to conduct safety audits of similar structures across the region.

Meanwhile, authorities have registered a case of accidental death and launched a probe, awaiting technical reports from engineers. The submerged vehicles, particularly a stuck truck, remain to be retrieved despite ongoing efforts involving cranes and JCB machines.

As the search continues and families mourn their loved ones, the incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, as yet another infrastructure failure shakes the nation — less than three years after the fatal Morbi bridge collapse that killed 135.

This article reflects developments as of the time of reporting. Updates are expected as rescue operations continue.