At least nine individuals lost their lives when a section of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat fell on Wednesday morning. Upon receiving the news, local authorities quickly arrived at the scene. A rescue and search operation commenced shortly thereafter.

The death toll was verified by Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya.

The Vadodara Collector stated, “…The rescue operation began this morning. Local swimmers, boats, and a team from the Municipal Corporation reached the location without delay. VMC, Emergency Response Centre, NDRF teams, and other administrative and police personnel are present. The rescue operation is still in progress… We have retrieved 9 bodies so far. 5 individuals are injured, and a 6th injured person was just located and is receiving medical care…”

Earlier in the day, state minister Rushikesh Patel remarked, “Today, the bridge linking Saurashtra and Central Gujarat, Anand and Padra, has collapsed. Five individuals have been rescued…” The minister described the incident as unfortunate, noting that despite regular maintenance and repairs, the bridge gave way.

“This bridge was constructed in 1985. Regular maintenance and repairs were conducted on this bridge, yet this unfortunate event has occurred…” Patel commented.

The bridge collapsed in Padra, Vadodara district, at approximately 7:30 am. Spanning the Mahisagar river along a state highway, the bridge connects Vadodara and Anand. The minister also mentioned that around five vehicles were submerged following the collapse incident.

PR Patelia, Secretary of the Roads & Buildings Department, has dispatched a team of experts to the location. PR Patelia stated, “We have received reports of damage to the Gambhira bridge, which resulted in an accident. A team of specialists has been sent to the scene of the incident.”

Anand SP Gaurav Jasani remarked, “A section of the bridge linking Anand and Vadodara has collapsed. Three to four vehicles have plunged into the river.”

Gujarat CM Initiates Investigation

In the meantime, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a probe into the bridge collapse incident. “I have instructed the Roads and Buildings Department to carry out an immediate investigation into this accident. …I have directed a team that includes the Chief Engineer – Design, Chief Engineer – South Gujarat, and two private engineers with expertise in bridge construction to promptly arrive at the site, investigate the causes of the bridge collapse, and provide a preliminary report on the technical aspects,” he tweeted in Gujarati.

PM Modi Expresses Condolences Regarding Bridge Collapse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow over the fatalities resulting from the bridge collapse and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each victim. He also offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) tweeted, “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is profoundly distressing. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery for the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi(sic)”

Rescue operations are currently in progress. Further details are awaited.