Gujarat Bridge Collapse: 10 Dead, Several Injured as Decades-Old Bridge Crumbles Into River

Vadodara, Gujarat — In a harrowing tragedy that has once again exposed the fragility of aging public infrastructure, a major road bridge collapsed over the Mahisagar River in Gujarat on the morning of July 9, 2025, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others. The incident occurred on the Gambhira Bridge, a crucial route connecting Mujpur in Vadodara district with Gambhira village in Anand district.

The bridge, which had been in service since 1985, suddenly gave way around 7:30 a.m., plunging multiple vehicles into the river below. Among the fallen were two large trucks, a family van, and several two-wheelers.

Sequence of Events: Collapse Without Warning

Eyewitnesses reported that the bridge seemed stable just moments before the disaster. A loud cracking sound signaled the beginning of the structural failure, followed by a section of the deck collapsing straight into the river. Those on the scene described a chaotic moment when vehicles simply disappeared beneath the water, as dust and debris clouded the air.

Some local commuters, just moments away from crossing the same stretch, narrowly escaped tragedy. One survivor, rescued from the riverbed, said, “The road beneath us just vanished. I couldn’t believe what was happening—it felt like a nightmare.”

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts

Authorities were quick to respond, deploying teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local fire departments. Divers, cranes, and boats were used in the frantic efforts to retrieve victims from the submerged vehicles.

By mid-afternoon, 10 bodies had been recovered, and at least four injured persons were rescued and admitted to hospitals in Vadodara. Several people remained missing, sparking fears that the death toll could rise.

The victims included commuters, transport drivers, and a family of five traveling in a van.

Cracks in the System: A Bridge Long in Decline

The Gambhira Bridge had served the region for over 40 years. However, locals had repeatedly voiced concerns about visible cracks, rusting beams, and signs of foundational wear. According to residents, minor repairs were made in previous years, but no comprehensive structural audit or reinforcement had been carried out recently.

The bridge collapse is the latest in a troubling pattern of infrastructure failures in the state. In 2022, the Morbi suspension bridge collapse claimed over 130 lives. That tragedy had already sparked promises of stricter audits and oversight. However, critics say little has changed since then.

Official Statements and Investigations

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to the victims' families. He announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site and ordered a technical investigation into the collapse. The Roads and Buildings Department has been tasked with conducting a structural review of all bridges built before 1990 in the state.

Initial reports suggest that heavy monsoon rains over the past week may have further weakened the already-compromised structure. However, officials have yet to confirm the precise cause.

Public Outrage and Political Backlash

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and citizens alike. Many questioned how a bridge known to be in poor condition remained open to heavy traffic. There are growing demands for legal accountability and calls for the resignation of local officials responsible for infrastructure safety.

Social media was flooded with messages of grief, anger, and frustration. Hashtags like #GujaratBridgeCollapse and #InfrastructureNegligence trended throughout the day.

Human Stories Behind the Numbers

Among the victims was a young couple returning from a religious visit, a truck driver transporting construction materials, and a schoolteacher on her daily commute. The stories emerging from the incident paint a heart-wrenching picture of lives lost in an entirely preventable disaster.

One rescued boy, just 11 years old, is now orphaned after losing both parents in the van that sank. He is currently being treated for minor injuries at SSG Hospital in Vadodara and is under psychological care.

What Happens Next?

The government has pledged to inspect over 1,000 bridges statewide within the next 30 days. Civil engineers are being mobilized to assess the condition of old infrastructure, especially those near rivers and flood-prone areas.

Experts are calling for the following reforms:

• Mandatory structural audits every 5 years

• Public access to bridge safety reports

• Independent monitoring committees free from political interference

There is also growing support for creating a national bridge safety authority modeled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, to enforce technical compliance uniformly across states.

Conclusion

The Gujarat bridge collapse is a devastating reminder that public infrastructure is not just a policy matter—it’s a matter of life and death. While rescue operations continue and investigations unfold, grieving families are left to cope with the tragic consequences of systemic neglect.

Only time will tell if this tragedy will become a turning point—or just another entry in a long list of avoidable disasters.