Vadodara, Gujarat – A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara Bridge Collapse, leading to the deaths of 13 individuals. The 45-year-old bridge, a vital link connecting South Gujarat to the Saurashtra region, gave way while several vehicles were crossing.
According to reports, five vehicles — including two trucks, two cars, and a rickshaw — plunged into the river following the sudden collapse. A tanker narrowly escaped the fall and remained hanging at the broken edge of the structure.
Local residents sprang into action, rescuing eight people from the wreckage. However, two individuals are still missing, and rescue operations are ongoing. Three fire brigade teams have been deployed to assist in the search and recovery efforts.
The bridge, which played a crucial role in regional connectivity, linked key South Gujarat cities like Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, and Tapi to Saurashtra. With the bridge now out of service, commuters and transporters will need to take a significantly longer route via Ahmedabad, causing delays and logistical challenges.
The tragic Vadodara Bridge collapse has drawn national attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the affected families. He also announced financial compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF): ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the accident.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the collapse, focusing on the structural integrity of the decades-old bridge. Meanwhile, traffic has been diverted, and officials are urging people to avoid the affected area.
This incident raises serious questions about the condition of aging infrastructure in India and highlights the urgent need for regular inspections and maintenance of critical transport links.