Gujarat Bridge Collapse in Vadodara: 9 Dead, Vehicles Plunge into Mahisagar River

Vadodara, July 9, 2025- A tragic accident occurred early Wednesday morning in Vadodara, Gujarat, when a 45-year-old bridge over the Mahisagar River collapsed, sending multiple vehicles crashing into the water. According to reports, at least 9 people have lost their lives, while 8 others were rescued by local residents. The incident has triggered major public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the condition of aging infrastructure in the state.

Five Vehicles, Including Trucks and Cars, Fell Into River

Eyewitnesses reported that the middle portion of the bridge suddenly gave way while vehicles were crossing. Among the five vehicles that fell into the river were two trucks, two cars, a rickshaw, and a tanker, which remained lodged at the broken edge. Locals rushed to the site immediately and managed to rescue 8 individuals before emergency services arrived.

Three teams from the fire brigade and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) were deployed for the rescue operation. A large crowd gathered at the site as visuals of vehicles submerged in the river went viral on social media.

Angry locals alleged that the bridge, built over four decades ago, had visible signs of wear and tear for years. Despite repeated complaints and requests for repair, no action was taken by local authorities. Residents blamed the administration’s negligence for the fatal collapse.

A local youth involved in the rescue operation said, “We have been rescuing people since morning. So far, nine bodies have been recovered, including a child. We received no help from the administration initially.”

Several survivors recounted their narrow escapes:

• Rajubhai Athiya, who was crossing the bridge on his bike, said the bridge collapsed under his vehicle. He managed to climb onto a submerged vehicle and was rescued by boat later. His friend remains missing.
• Mahesh Parmar, 23, survived because his bike had a puncture and he was delayed. He saw multiple vehicles fall just ahead of him.
• Atulkumar Padhiyar, a local involved in the rescue, shared that he saved a woman swimming in the river and helped pull out several injured people.

The collapse of the Mahisagar bridge has disrupted a major route connecting Central Gujarat with Saurashtra. Cities like Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Tapi, and Valsad will now have to take a longer route via Ahmedabad, significantly increasing travel time and impacting trade and emergency services.