Vadodara (Gujarat), July 11, 2025
A heart-wrenching incident has shaken Gujarat as the Gambhira–Mujpur bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara district collapsed unexpectedly. So far, 19 people have lost their lives, while 2 individuals remain missing. Rescue teams have been relentlessly working for the third consecutive day in the hope of saving lives and retrieving the missing.
How Did the Tragedy Happen?
The incident occurred on the morning of July 9, when several vehicles were crossing the bridge. Suddenly, a major section of the bridge collapsed into the river, dragging with it two trucks, an SUV, a pickup van, an auto-rickshaw, and two motorcycles. The bridge was nearly 40 years old, and multiple complaints had been made about its deteriorating condition.
Victims Identified, Families Devastated
So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the debris, while one critically injured person succumbed to injuries at the hospital, taking the total death toll to 19. Among the victims were women, children, and entire families who were out on a pilgrimage for Guru Purnima.
Search Operations Still Underway
Rescue efforts by NDRF, SDRF, and fire brigade teams are still ongoing. The operation is facing major challenges due to the river’s depth, strong current, and over 10 feet of thick mud, making it difficult to access submerged vehicles. Cranes, boats, and divers are being deployed to find the two missing persons.
Government Response and Action
In the wake of the incident, the state government swiftly suspended four engineers and has ordered a detailed investigation into the bridge collapse. The government has also announced financial compensation of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Public Outrage and Unanswered Questions
Local residents claim the bridge was already in a dangerous condition, but authorities failed to take timely action. Media reports reveal that just days before the tragedy, a journalist had posted a video highlighting the poor state of the bridge, which went ignored.
This incident has once again exposed the negligence and oversight in maintaining public infrastructure. Behind every number is a grieving family – a shattered home, a mother who lost her child, a father never to return. The need of the hour is strict accountability, immediate structural audits, and long-term corrective measures — so that such a tragedy never repeats itself.
