Daijiworld Media Network - Vadodara

Vadodara, Jul 9: In a tragic incident, nine people lost their lives after a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning in Padra taluka of Vadodara district. The collapse sent multiple vehicles — including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van — plunging into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River.

The bridge, which connects Anand and Vadodara districts and is a key route for commuters between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra, gave way during peak traffic hours, triggering chaos and panic in the area.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the collapse. “There was a thunderous noise, and suddenly everything disappeared into the river,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the incident.

Fire brigade personnel, local police, and Vadodara district officials rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations with the help of locals. So far, three injured individuals have been pulled out alive and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

Padra MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala visited the site and assured action. The affected area has been cordoned off, and authorities have initiated a probe into the cause of the collapse. Cranes and divers are continuing the search for possible survivors or bodies trapped underwater.

Locals expressed anger over the administration’s alleged negligence. “The bridge had become a hazard long ago, and multiple complaints were ignored,” said a resident. Several also noted that the site had earned notoriety as a frequent suicide point, citing poor safety measures.

Senior Congress leader Amit Chavda posted on social media, calling the collapse a grave tragedy and urging swift rescue efforts. He also demanded that alternative routes be set up immediately to ease traffic disruptions.

Officials have indicated that a technical inspection and safety audit of similar bridges in the region will soon be undertaken to prevent such incidents in the future.