In a tragic incident on July 9, 2025, a section of the Gambhira bridge in Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed, plunging multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar river. As of now, 15 bodies have been recovered, with three people still missing. Rescue teams from the NDRF and SDRF are searching up to 4 km downstream amid difficult conditions caused by heavy rain and thick mud.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., with videos showing a 10–15 metre slab between two piers breaking away. Vehicles, including a mini-truck and a chemical tanker, were swept into the river. Efforts are underway to safely remove the chemical-laden tanker to prevent environmental damage, with inspections by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a technical investigation. A team of senior engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department is assessing the site. Meanwhile, the district administration is constructing a temporary bridge to aid the search.
The bridge collapse has triggered political outrage, with Opposition leaders calling for a judicial probe, blaming the government for neglect and delayed repairs. Officials had claimed the 1985-built bridge had a 100-year lifespan, but locals allege repeated complaints about its poor condition were ignored.
