Vadodara
The death toll from the tragic collapse of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge over the Mahisagar River in Gujarat’s Vadodara district rose to 16 on Thursday. Authorities confirmed that search operations are ongoing to locate three to four individuals who remain missing.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Wednesday when a portion of the four-decade-old bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, suddenly collapsed, causing multiple vehicles to plunge into the river near Padra town. The bridge also served as a vital link between central Gujarat and the Saurashtra region.
Vadodara Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand confirmed the recovery of 16 bodies. Five individuals were rescued, of whom several are being treated for injuries at SSG Hospital, though none are in critical condition.
Rescue efforts by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continue, but heavy rainfall and a thick layer of riverbed mud are hindering progress. Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said that operations are underway up to four kilometers downstream. To aid in the effort, a temporary bridge is being built along the riverbank to access the submerged vehicles.
Officials have urged residents to contact the district control room if they suspect someone is missing. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of ageing infrastructure in the state. As search operations persist, questions are also being raised about whether preventive inspections could have averted such a tragedy.