10-07-2025
NEW DELHI/ VADODARA, Gujrat: At least 10 people died on Wednesday (July 9) while several are feared injured after a bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district.
This comes less than three years after the bridge over Machhu River close to western Gujarat’s Morbi town collapsed in October 2022 just four days after it was reopened after repairs. One hundred and forty one people died and dozens of others were injured as a result of the collapse.
The Gujarat outlet Vibes of India has reported that 10 people are being treated in a city hospital.
As a result of the middle part of the bridge collapsing, several vehicles fell into the Mahisagar River. Passengers of these vehicles are now trapped in the river. Footage shared on social media shows people attempting to climb out of submerged cars and a tanker dangling off the place where the bridge broke off.
According to Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel, the accident took place after a slab of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River collapsed, reported Economic Times.
The bridge connects central Gujarat and the Saurashtra regions of the state. The accident has disrupted the road connectivity between Anand and Vadodara, impacting vehicular movement on the route.
“Rescue operation started this morning. Local swimmers, boats and team of Municipal Corporation reached the spot immediately. VMC, Emergency Response Centre, NDRF teams and other administration, Police team are here. Rescue operation is ongoing. We have recovered nine bodies so far. Five people are injured, a 6th injured was found just now and he is being provided medical treatment,” said Vadodara district collector Anil Dhameliya.
Patel said the bridge was constructed in 1985, and its maintenance was carried out periodically as and when required. “The exact reason behind the incident will be probed,” he added.
“Nine bodies have been recovered and six (now nine, according to reports) people have been rescued. CM sent a high committee to the spot in the morning itself and he has sought a report at the earliest. Taking this very seriously, the CM has directed a team of Roads and Buildings Department and other teams to go there and take concrete measures,” said Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi, reported Hindustan Times.
Opposition leader in the state assembly, Amit Chavda told Vibes of India, “Gujarat government is responsible for this disaster. Government must name those involved”. Gujarat unit president of the Aam Aadmi Party, Isudan Gadhvi, has called for a judicial inquiry.
In 2022, a colonial-era cable suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchu River in Gujarat, sending hundreds plunging into the water and killing at least 132.