Vadodara Bridge Collapse: 12 Dead in Gujarat Tragedy

The incident happened on Wednesday around 7:30 a.m. in the Vadodara district, Gujarat. With a 43-year-old Vadodara bridge collapse, many vehicles fell into the Mahisagar River.

The bridge collapse is already being blamed for at least 12 deaths and nine injuries. It has been termed one of the worst infrastructure failures in our time.

The large incident made it to national media. The PM and Chief Minister of Gujarat have expressed sorrow over the incident. An investigation is being carried out as rescue efforts continue at the scene.

Eyewitness: Confusion erupts during a morning journey

The bridge, which was located in Mujpur in Padra taluka, connected Vadodara district to Anand district. So, it was used daily by hundreds of people trying to avoid merged roads of central Gujarat. Reports described how part of the bridge collapsed unexpectedly. It caused at least five vehicles — a van, two trucks, a pick up and an autorickshaw — to fall into the river.

A heartbreaking story that has surfaced is that of Sonal Padhiyar. She was an eyewitness to and lived through the fall of her husband, daughter, and two-year-old grandson. “Before we knew what was happening, the van was in the water,” she said, tears swelling in her eyes. She had been the only survivor out of nine people in the van.

Rescue Operations Continuing

Rescue Operations were launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). It was with the help of fire service and emergency services, including local area fire brigades. Rescue divers and boats were dispatched to search for survivors and recovering bodies.

Rohan Anand, the Superintendent of Police from Vadodara said a case of accidental death has been filed and a complete investigation, will commence when the rescue operation are complete.
Anand also said, “We will also ask for a detailed report from the District Collector.”

Also, Anil Dhameliya, the District Collector of Vadodara stated that although the bridge was repaired last year, the cause of the accident is still unknown. Engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department are set to investigate the damaged structure as soon as the rescue efforts are completed.

Responses from PM Modi and CM Bhupendra Patel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences by calling it “deeply mournful.” Besides, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel instructed an immediate inquiry by the Roads and Buildings Department, emphasizing that accountability and safety are paramount in public work.

Residents Identified from Among The Dead

Officials have identified several of the dead by name:

• Ramesh Padhiyar, and Vedika Padhiyar and Naitaik Padhiyar, of village Dariyapura
• Hasmukh Parmar of Majatan
• Vakhatsinh Jadav of village Kahanva
• Pravin Jadav of village of Undel

All of these personal names add to an already growing anxiety about the state of older bridges and infrastructure in the area.

Bridge Investigation

Furthermore, the only bridge that has collapsed, is about one kilometer long. It was built more than forty years ago, and was previously used daily by travelers going from Central Gujarat to Saurashtra. It was repaired last year, and has collapsed. Now questions arise about maintenance, safety assessments, and oversight.

Local reports indicate that the bridge was crowded at that time, with many trucks and motorcycles. Some survivors, like Raju Hathiya, described the collapse as “unforeseen,” and terrifying. “I managed to exit from my side.”

“Someone saved me on a boat,” he said, still traumatized.

An Alert for Critical Infrastructure

As the incident has now become a foremost story in the recent news updates, it has additionally exposed the fragility of India’s crumbling infrastructure.
With family members mourning for those they’ve lost and questions of accountability looming as rescue efforts carry on, the collapse of the bridge in Vadodara is much more than a municipal disaster — it’s a matter of national consequence.

As the inquiries begin and the agencies respond, people across India will be reminded to continue the essential work of inspecting structures, documenting maintenance, and improving disaster preparedness.