Gujarat Bridge Collapse Kills at Least 9 as Rescue Operations Continue

A decades-old bridge in India’s western state of Gujarat collapsed into a river Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people and reigniting concerns over aging infrastructure.

Tragedy Strikes in Vadodara: 9 Dead in Bridge Collapse

At least nine people are confirmed dead after a major section of the Gambhira Bridge in Gujarat’s Vadodara district collapsed into the river below around 7:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, officials said.

Several vehicles, including a large truck, were crossing the bridge when it gave way. Video footage shows the truck teetering on a fractured segment of the road as stunned onlookers watched the scene unfold.

According to Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, five individuals were rescued, and search and rescue operations remain ongoing. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire brigade teams with divers and boats are assisting in recovery efforts.

Heavy Rains and Decaying Infrastructure Blamed

The 3,000-foot-long bridge, built in 1985, had reportedly suffered from years of neglect. Heavy monsoon rains in recent days may have further weakened its already deteriorating structure.

Locals said the Gambhira Bridge had become notorious not just for its poor condition, but also for its dark reputation as a suicide hotspot. Many claim repeated warnings to authorities about the bridge’s fragility were ignored.

“The Gambhira bridge has become notorious not just as a traffic hazard but also as a suicide point. Repeated warnings about its condition were ignored,” said one local resident, speaking anonymously to Indian media.

Government Responds: Investigation and Aid Promised

In a public statement, Health Minister Patel said instructions have been issued for immediate medical treatment for the injured and a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse.

“The Road and Building Department has been ordered to conduct an immediate investigation into this accident,” Patel added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the tragedy, calling it “deeply saddening” and expressing condolences to the families of the victims.

He announced compensation of ₹200,000 INR (approximately £1,716) for the next of kin of those who died and ₹50,000 INR (approximately £429) for those injured, to be drawn from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

A Grim Reminder of India’s Infrastructure Woes

The Gambhira Bridge collapse adds to a string of deadly infrastructure failures that have plagued India in recent years. The country continues to struggle with aging public works, limited maintenance budgets, and lax safety enforcement.

In October 2022, a century-old suspension bridge also collapsed in Gujarat, killing at least 132 people in one of the worst bridge disasters in India’s modern history.

Experts say unless systemic changes are made, including stricter oversight, routine safety audits, and investment in maintenance, such tragedies may continue.

What Comes Next

Rescue operations remain underway in Vadodara as emergency personnel continue searching for survivors in the murky waters and scattered wreckage.

Local authorities have yet to release the names of the victims, and the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Public outrage is building as residents demand accountability for years of alleged neglect.