Vadodara |
At least 12 people lost their lives and nine others were injured after a 43-year-old bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district on Wednesday morning. The tragic incident occurred around 7:30 am, when multiple vehicles — including a van, trucks, and motorcycles — fell into the Mahisagar River.
The collapsed structure, known as the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge, was a key connector between Vadodara and Anand districts, helping people avoid city traffic. The bridge gave way suddenly, plunging several vehicles into the river below and leaving a tanker hanging precariously at the edge.
Families Devastated
Among the deceased were members of a single family — Ramesh, Vedika, and Naitaik Padhiyar — residents of Dariyapura village. Survivor Sonal Padhiyar, who was also in the van, lost her husband, daughter, and two-year-old grandson in the incident.
“We fell in a matter of seconds. Before I could understand what had happened, the van hit the water. I was trapped in the backseat and somehow managed to survive. But the rest of my family didn’t make it,” she said.
Another survivor, Raju Hathiya, a truck driver, recounted the shock of the collapse:
“There were two people with me. My truck just dropped. I escaped through the side window, but I still don’t know where my helper is.”
Rescue Operations and Government Response
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the scene. Divers continued to search for survivors late into the evening. Vadodara Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand confirmed that a case of accidental death has been registered, and a full police probe will begin after rescue efforts conclude.
Vadodara District Collector Anil Dhameliya confirmed that the bridge had undergone repairs last year, and that executive engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department are examining the site.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an official inquiry by the Roads and Buildings Department. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and called the loss of lives “deeply saddening.”
Need for Accountability
This collapse raises urgent concerns about the safety of aging infrastructure across India, especially rural connectors that often escape close scrutiny. Citizens and experts alike are demanding transparency in the audit of old bridges and timely repair work to prevent similar tragedies.
As the rescue operations continue and families mourn, the people of Gujarat — and India — are asking one pressing question: Could this have been prevented?
