Gujarat bridge collapse, vehicles fall into Mahisagar River, and 9 killed—these tragic words now define the horrifying incident that unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when a vital section of the Gambhira–Mujpur bridge, linking Anand and Vadodara districts, suddenly caved in, reported NDTV. The collapse sent multiple vehicles, including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, auto-rickshaws, and pickup vans, crashing into the Mahisagar River, leaving at least nine people dead and several others injured.
What Happened
Around 7:30 AM, a segment of the bridge, built in 1985, gave way during peak traffic hours. The 900-metre-long structure, supported by 23 piers, had long shown signs of stress, according to local residents. Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous noise before watching, in horror, as several vehicles tumbled into the river.
Rescue officials suspect at least five to six vehicles fell into the river, although exact numbers are still being verified. The swift current of the Mahisagar River and the early morning rush made the situation particularly dangerous for those trapped inside the vehicles.
Rescue Operations
Swift action by locals, swimmers, and emergency teams ensured that several people were rescued alive. The Vadodara Fire Department, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), local police, and district administration officials responded promptly. Rescue teams managed to retrieve the bodies of nine victims, while others with serious injuries were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Despite the swift response, divers continue to search the riverbed for more possible victims or missing vehicles. The bridge site has been completely cordoned off, and authorities are using cranes and boats to remove the submerged vehicles.
Government Reaction
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and ordered an immediate technical probe into the cause of the collapse. A team of senior engineers, structural experts, and consultants has been dispatched to the site to investigate potential design flaws or lapses in maintenance.
Meanwhile, a replacement bridge project, valued at Rs 212 crore, had already been cleared by the state government earlier this year. While tendering and design work had begun, the existing structure had not yet been decommissioned or restricted for public use.
Negligence or Oversight?
Residents claim they had warned local authorities about the weakening structure for several months, if not years. Cracks in the piers, corrosion in reinforcements, and uneven road surfaces had become common complaints. Unfortunately, they allege, little action was taken to inspect or restrict access to the aging bridge.
The incident also brings back grim memories of the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat in 2022, which claimed over 140 lives and raised nationwide concerns about aging infrastructure and poor oversight. Just like Morbi, this latest disaster has sparked an outcry over the quality of public infrastructure and accountability mechanisms in place.
Political Reactions
The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have slammed the BJP-led state government, questioning how a known aging structure was allowed to function without critical repair or restrictions. They have demanded immediate resignation of officials responsible for bridge inspections and maintenance.
The opposition is also calling for a judicial inquiry, and compensation for the victims’ families. Many leaders have taken to social media and press conferences, calling the incident a preventable tragedy resulting from “criminal negligence.”
Disruption & Future Plans
The bridge collapse has brought traffic to a standstill on the Anand–Vadodara route, a critical corridor connecting southern Gujarat to the Saurashtra region. With the current structure unusable and rescue operations underway, diversions have been put in place, adding to commuter woes.
The Gujarat government has now promised to expedite the pending bridge replacement project, which was to begin construction later this year. A full audit of old bridges across the state has also been ordered to prevent similar tragedies.
Photo Credit: NDTV
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