Gambhira Bridge Collapse Kills 6, Cuts Off Central Gujarat from Saurashtra

Anand, Gujarat — The 45-year-old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Padra taluka collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday, plunging four vehicles — including two trucks, a Bolero jeep, and an Eco car — into the river. The collapse has left six people dead, including a child, and cut off vital connectivity between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra.

The incident occurred on Wedneday morning, sending shockwaves through the nearby villages, especially Mujpur. Locals rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts, managing to save three individuals by pulling them from the swift current using ropes and sheer bravery.

“We were making representations for the last 6-7 years to construct a new bridge. Nobody listened. And now we’ve paid the price with lives,” said an anguished Jashpalsinh Padhiar, a local resident who has led multiple petitions to authorities. “It was a ticking time bomb.”

The bridge, known not only for its age but also as a frequent suicide point, had long been marked as unsafe. Yet, according to residents, no action was taken despite repeated warnings. With its collapse, major connectivity between Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar now lies severed.

Fire brigade teams from Vadodara, alongside villagers and emergency services, launched an intensive rescue operation. According to Vadodara Fire Chief Manoj Patil, three fire teams were dispatched to the site. “Our priority was saving lives. It’s tragic that despite our best efforts, two lives were lost.”

Of the 10 people in the fallen vehicles, eight were rescued. Six injured were shifted to Padra Hospital, and two critically injured victims — Rajubhai Hatia and Dilipbhai Padhiyar — were taken to Sayaji Hospital in Vadodara.

A particularly heart-wrenching moment came when rescuers pulled out an Eco car with a rope, discovering the lifeless body of a child inside, along with six other occupants.

“The bridge should’ve been closed long ago,” said Arjunsinh Padhiyar, another local resident. “It was fatal, and this accident is purely due to neglect.”

District authorities, including the Padra Mamlatdar, rushed to the site and have launched an inquiry. However, anger simmers among residents who demand accountability for the years of inaction.

More than 100 locals joined hands with rescue teams and the fire brigade to save lives. Eight ambulances — six from Vadodara and two from Anand — were also deployed at the site.