Tragedy in Vadodara: Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed nine deaths

A catastrophic collapse of a 40-year-old slab on the Gambhira Bridge in Gujarat’s Vadodara district claimed nine lives and injured six on Wednesday morning, disrupting connectivity between Anand and Vadodara. The 900-meter-long bridge, built in 1985 over the Mahisagar River, gave way at 7:30 AM, sending five vehicles—two trucks, a tanker, an Eeco van, and an auto-rickshaw—plunging into the river.

Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya reported six rescues, with four sustaining minor injuries. “Rescue operations are ongoing with local swimmers, boats, and NDRF teams,” he said. Visuals showed a tanker dangling precariously from the broken slab, with locals and emergency teams, including Vadodara’s fire department and NDRF’s 6BN unit with deep-water divers, working to retrieve survivors and vehicles. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed nine deaths, noting, “The CM has deployed a high-level committee to investigate.”

Residents blamed neglected maintenance, alleging ignored warnings about the bridge’s deterioration. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel acknowledged periodic upkeep but said, “The exact cause will be probed.” Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered a technical investigation. The collapse, on a key route linking Central Gujarat to Saurashtra, sparked public outrage on X, with users decrying infrastructure neglect. Rescue efforts continue as authorities divert traffic and audit similar structures statewide.

Also Read: ISRO Triumphs with Gaganyaan Propulsion System Tests

Also Read: NCST Blocks RTI on Great Nicobar Project, Citing Privilege