Vadodara: In a tragic incident, the decades-old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in rural Vadodara collapsed early Tuesday morning, cutting off a vital link between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra. Several vehicles plunged into the river as the bridge gave way. So far, 15 people have died in the accident, while at least three are still missing. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have managed to save more than eight individuals.

District Collector Anil Dhameliya briefed reporters about the ongoing rescue operation on Wednesday morning. “The NDRF and SDRF are carrying out search operations across the entire area. Even this morning, three dead bodies have been recovered. So far, the death toll has reached 15. Three people are still missing. I would also like to mention that we have received full support from the local community. At least 10 agencies are part of the rescue operation, which is being carried out up to 4 km downstream, and they have been working tirelessly since yesterday morning,” he said.

Providing further details, the Collector added, “Two more vehicles are reported missing—one is a car, and the other is an Eicher tempo, which is stuck in the mud, making recovery efforts difficult. We also urge the public to share any information about missing persons to help facilitate rescue efforts.”

મુજપૂર પૂલ દુર્ઘટના અંગે કલેકટર ડો. અનિલ ધામેલિયાનું નિવેદન..#bridgecollapse #vadodara #VadodaraNews #padra #info_vadodara_gog #collector #NewsUpdates @CollectorVad @CMOGuj @InfoGujarat pic.twitter.com/wF5A7r7nj4

— Info Vadodara GoG (@Info_Vadodara) July 10, 2025

Giving an update on the missing individuals, the Collector stated, “Based on information received from relatives, we had six people reported missing as of last night. Today, three dead bodies have been recovered, two of which have been identified. So now, three people remain missing. We are also gathering more details about the two missing vehicles and their occupants.”

On the truck hanging from the bridge, the DM said, “It is an empty tanker. If we move it, it could fall. The process to stabilise the tanker is underway as a rescue operation is going on right there under the bridge.”

Meanwhile, Padra Police have registered an accidental death case based on a complaint filed by Arjunsinh Madhavsinh Padhiar, a resident of Dariyapura near Mujpur.

Authorities have stated that once the rescue operation is complete, detailed inspections of the bridge will be carried out. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams will collect structural samples, and statements from victims’ families and eyewitnesses will be recorded to aid the investigation.

Environmental and safety concerns have also been raised, as one of the vehicles submerged in the river was a chemical tanker. Officials from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) have inspected the site, and precautionary measures are being taken to prevent any contamination. If needed, parts of the remaining bridge structure may be demolished for public safety. DeshGujarat