In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves across Gujarat and the nation, a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka, located in Vadodara district, collapsed early Wednesday morning, plunging multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River and claiming the lives of at least nine people. The catastrophic collapse, which occurred during peak morning traffic hours, has not only raised questions about infrastructure safety in the region but also left families grappling with devastating loss.
The bridge, a vital connector between the Anand and Vadodara districts, was bustling with commuters when tragedy struck. According to local sources, four vehicles—a Bolero SUV, a pickup van, and two trucks—were crossing the bridge when, without warning, a loud cracking noise echoed across the structure. Within moments, a section of the bridge gave way, and the vehicles were swallowed by the river below. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with panicked screams piercing the air as metal twisted and vehicles plunged into the waters.
Rescue efforts began almost immediately. Teams from the local fire brigade, police personnel, and the Vadodara district administration arrived at the scene and launched an intensive operation to retrieve the victims and vehicles from the river. The swift currents of the Mahi River and the scattered wreckage made rescue and recovery an extremely challenging task. Divers were deployed, cranes were brought in, and locals too joined in a desperate effort to save lives and search for missing persons.
Three individuals were rescued with serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Their conditions remain critical, and medical teams are monitoring them closely. The identities of the deceased are being confirmed, and authorities have begun notifying the families. The emotional toll is immeasurable, with distraught relatives gathering near the site, some still clinging to hope, others mourning the sudden and senseless loss of loved ones.
Initial investigations into the collapse suggest that structural weaknesses may have been a contributing factor. Residents of nearby villages claim that the bridge, though used by heavy vehicles regularly, had not undergone major repairs in recent years. There had been complaints of visible cracks and signs of wear, but no immediate action was reportedly taken. As public anger mounts, the state government has ordered a thorough probe into the incident, promising accountability for any negligence or oversight.
Gujarat Chief Minister is expected to visit the site, and a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to examine the structural integrity reports and maintenance history of the bridge. Engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department have also been directed to conduct safety audits of similar bridges across the state to prevent further tragedies. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) may also be called in if the situation demands further technical assistance.
For the people of Padra and surrounding talukas, the bridge was more than just a structure—it was a lifeline that facilitated daily travel, economic activity, and personal connections. Its sudden collapse has not only exposed vulnerabilities in regional infrastructure but also forced a painful reckoning with the human cost of infrastructural neglect. Families are now left to mourn those who left for work or travel that morning, never to return.
As the sun set on a day marked by sorrow and chaos, the mangled remains of the vehicles were slowly pulled from the river, bearing silent testimony to a disaster that might have been preventable. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to prioritize infrastructure safety, especially in high-traffic zones that millions depend on daily. The tragedy on the Mahi River is not just a local crisis; it is a national wake-up call.
This is a web-generated news web story.
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