Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The section of the Gambhira–Mujpur bridge, a 40-year-old structure spanning the Mahisagar River near Padra taluka, suddenly gave way during the morning commute on July 9, 2025. The collapse caused several vehicles—including heavy trucks and vans—to plunge into the river below, resulting in multiple casualties and sparking a large-scale rescue operation .

The disaster struck during peak traffic hours at approximately 7:30 AM, with witnesses reporting a loud cracking sound just before the slab collapsed, propelling two trucks, a pick-up van, and another vehicle into the water. Initial official statements confirmed that at least three people had been killed, with more reported missing—some sources estimate the total fatalities could rise to nine or even ten.

Local authorities, including the district administration, Vadodara fire brigade, municipal teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), responded promptly. They deployed boats, cranes, divers, and medical staff to the site. Six individuals had been rescued as of midday, with dedicated search parties working to locate others who may be trapped underwater .

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an immediate probe by the state’s Road and Building Department to identify the cause of the collapse. PM Narendra Modi's office confirmed compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund—₹200,000 for each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured .

Local residents claim they had repeatedly voiced concerns over the dilapidated state of the bridge, citing cracks and unstable sections that were ignored by authorities. Some even referred to the bridge as notorious, not only for its poor condition but also as a “suicide point.” Despite periodic maintenance, officials acknowledged that the structure was aging since its construction in 1985 and that its collapse was under urgent investigation .

The 40-year-old bridge was a vital artery connecting Anand and Vadodara—and beyond to Bharuch and Saurashtra—making its collapse a major disruption to regional connectivity .

This tragedy in Gujarat tragically echoes another bridge disaster in 2022—the Morbi cable-stayed pedestrian bridge collapse—where 141 people lost their lives. That incident, linked to management negligence, triggered extensive legal and public inquiries .The latest collapse brings renewed scrutiny on the integrity of infrastructural assessment procedures and safety protocols for bridges across the region.

Rescue operations continue as authorities struggle to confirm the final casualty count. Meanwhile, the state has declared compensation to support victims’ families and has launched a formal inquiry to establish accountability. Senior government officials have been instructed to expedite structural safety audits across similar bridges to prevent future incidents.

Residents and commuters in Padra taluka and surrounding districts remain on high alert. Heavy security and rescue presence continue around the damaged site—and temporary traffic restrictions have been put in place until a full reconstruction plan is finalized.

The sudden collapse of the Gambhira–Mujpur bridge during morning traffic spells a devastating humanitarian and infrastructural failure. With at least three confirmed dead and several missing, the incident exposes critical weaknesses in inspection and repair systems. The government’s swift financial relief and ongoing judicial inquiry are steps towards justice, but the events of July 9, 2025, underscore an urgent national imperative: to rigorously secure aging infrastructure before more lives are endangered.