Gujarat bridge collapse: At least 9 dead, PM announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia

Vadodara bridge collapse: The Prime Minister's Office announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to those injured

At least nine people have been reported dead after a portion of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River collapsed in Gujarat's Vadodara district early Wednesday morning, plunging multiple vehicles into the river below. Rescue operations are currently underway. 

 

The collapse occurred around 7:30 am on the Padra–Mujpur stretch, a key roadway connecting Central Gujarat with the Saurashtra region. The bridge, situated roughly 25 kilometres from Vadodara city, is a vital route for heavy transport and commuter traffic.

 

Initial reports suggest that two trucks and two vans were crossing the bridge when it partially gave way without warning.    

“Around four vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, fell into the river after the bridge partially collapsed. We have rescued four persons so far,” said Vijay Charan, inspector at Padra police station, speaking to PTI. 

 

According to a report by The Times of India, at least 10 people had been pulled from the river, with three to four in critical condition. Emergency services, including disaster response units and local police teams, rushed to the scene after residents alerted authorities.

 

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Meanwhile, officials have cordoned off the area and urged commuters to avoid the route until further notice. Engineers from the state highways department are expected to arrive on site to assess structural damage and determine the reason behind the failure.

 

Speaking to reporters, Secretary of the Roads & Buildings Dept, PR Patelia said, "We have got information of damage to the Gambhira bridge, which led to an accident. A team of experts has been sent to the site of the incident." 

Leaders react to Vadodara bridge collapse

The Congress party shared a video of the collapse in a post on X, stating, "In this accident, several vehicles fell into the river, resulting in the tragic death of some people and injuries to many others. The Congress family expresses deep condolences to the affected families. We also pray to God that He grants a speedy recovery to the injured." 

      

 

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed grief over the collapse, ordering immediate investigation into the incident. In a post on X, he wrote, "The tragedy caused by the collapse of one of the 23 spans of the Gambhira Bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara is tragic. I pray for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragedy." 

₹2 lakh compensation for next of kin

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to those injured. In a post Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000."