GUJARAT — At least 15 people died Wednesday morning after a section of a 40-year-old bridge collapsed into the Mahisagar River in Gujarat, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the water. Eyewitnesses said the collapse was sudden and violent, with one survivor describing the sound as “a huge explosion.”
The bridge, which connected Vadodara district to central Gujarat, gave way while traffic was moving. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, were deployed immediately. At least four people remain missing as search operations continue.
Anwarbhai, a van driver, was crossing the bridge with two passengers when he heard a loud crack. “There was a huge explosion-like sound and part of the bridge collapsed behind us. Our van started rolling backward so we jumped out,” he told media.
Dramatic images from the site showed a truck hanging over the edge of the broken span, later pulled to safety. Other vehicles, including trucks, cars, and a tuk-tuk, were not as fortunate and fell into the river.
Sonalben Padhiyar, who lost six family members in the tragedy, was the sole survivor from her vehicle. “Our car went into the river headfirst,” she told Indian Express. A video of her crying out for help and searching for her son circulated widely online. “I screamed for a long time before someone reached me,” she said.
Another survivor, Dilipsinh Padhiyar, was returning from a night shift on his motorbike when the structure gave way. “I felt a vibration and the next moment I was falling into the river,” he said. He clung to a metal rod in the debris until fishermen arrived and rescued him.
Locals living near the bridge said they had long warned of its deteriorating condition. Jairaj Singh, a resident who rushed to help, said neighbors used ropes to pull victims from the river. “Everyone from the area came together,” he told media.
Abhesinh Parmar, a local council leader, said the bridge had been neglected. “There were potholes everywhere. Rods were exposed. We raised complaints, but nothing changed,” he said.
However, Gujarat government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel defended the state’s handling of the infrastructure. He said the bridge had undergone inspections and repairs. “Recently, the chief minister approved plans to demolish and rebuild the bridge. A tender was about to be issued,” Patel stated.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation. Officials have not confirmed if structural failure or overloading triggered the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families. “I am deeply saddened by this tragedy,” he said in a statement.
The incident follows other deadly infrastructure failures in the state. In October 2022, a 137-year-old suspension bridge in Morbi collapsed, killing 135 people just days after it reopened to the public.
The Gujarat bridge collapse highlights growing concerns about the safety of aging public infrastructure in India. As rescue teams continue to search the river, questions remain over whether this disaster could have been prevented.
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