3 killed as bridge collapses in Gujarat, disrupting Anand-Vadodara route

At least three people have lost their lives following the collapse of a portion of the Gambhira bridge over the Mahisagar River in Gujarat on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 AM, saw several vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, plunge into the river, confirmed Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel. This tragic event has severely disrupted road connectivity and vehicular movement between Anand and Vadodara districts.

Visuals from the site show that an entire slab of the 900-meter-long bridge, which has 23 piers and was inaugurated in 1985, collapsed between two piers. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed technical experts to visit the site immediately and launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. While the minister stated that the bridge had undergone periodic maintenance, the exact reason for the collapse is yet to be determined.

Rescue operations are currently in full swing, with teams from the Vadodara fire department, local residents, and a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) unit actively participating with specialized equipment. So far, four individuals have been rescued from the river, and efforts are ongoing to locate any others who may be trapped. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting concerns about infrastructure safety.