Tragedy in Vadodara: Gujarat Bridge Collapses, Vehicles Plunge into River — 2 Dead as Rescue Teams Battle Time

In a devastating incident that has once again raised urgent questions about infrastructure safety in India, a bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district on Monday evening, sending multiple vehicles crashing into the raging river below. At least two people have been confirmed dead, with several others injured or missing, as massive rescue operations are underway.

The collapsed bridge, located over the Dhadhar River near Waghodia Road, was a key connector between rural and urban areas — often bustling with cars, motorbikes, and trucks even during off-peak hours. Now, it lies in twisted ruin, as divers, NDRF teams, and local police work around the clock to locate survivors.

THE COLLAPSE: “IT ALL HAPPENED IN SECONDS”

The tragedy struck around 5:40 PM, during light rainfall and moderate traffic. According to eyewitnesses, a loud cracking sound echoed moments before the central portion of the bridge gave way, sending at least four vehicles, including an SUV and two bikes, tumbling straight into the river.

“There was no warning,” said Rakesh Patel, who was riding a two-wheeler just meters away when the collapse occurred. “One moment I saw cars in front of me — the next, they were gone.”

Locals rushed to the scene, some jumping into the water to attempt rescues before emergency teams arrived. Disturbing videos from bystanders quickly went viral on social media, showing submerged vehicles and desperate cries for help.

RESCUE OPERATIONS: RACE AGAINST TIME

By 6:15 PM, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and local administration had reached the site. Using cranes, boats, and floodlights, the teams began retrieving bodies and pulling out trapped passengers.

So far, two bodies have been recovered — both adult males — while five others have been rushed to Sayaji Hospital with injuries ranging from fractures to hypothermia. Authorities say that at least two people are still missing, believed to be trapped inside sunken vehicles.

“Our divers are facing strong currents and poor visibility,” said NDRF Officer V.K. Meena. “But we will not stop until every single person is accounted for.”

QUESTIONS RAISED: “WASN’T THIS BRIDGE JUST REPAIRED?”

In the aftermath of the collapse, angry residents and opposition leaders have started demanding answers, alleging negligence and poor maintenance.

Local sources say that the bridge, constructed over two decades ago, had undergone temporary repair work just last year, but no major structural audit had been conducted in recent times.

“This isn’t just an accident — this is criminal neglect,” said Gujarat Congress leader Amit Chavda. “Who signed off on this bridge’s safety? Heads must roll.”

Municipal officials have refused to comment directly but have promised a full inquiry. The Gujarat government has announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased, and an official from the Road and Buildings Department has been suspended pending investigation.

CM BHUPENDRA PATEL REACTS: “STRICT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN”

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his condolences on social media, calling the incident “deeply tragic” and assuring the public that “strictest action will be taken against those responsible.”

He also visited the site late at night, reviewing rescue operations and meeting with the victims’ families.

PUBLIC OUTRAGE AND FEAR

The bridge collapse has triggered a wave of fear across Gujarat, with residents in other towns now questioning the condition of similar structures.

“How many more need to die before the government takes bridge safety seriously?” asked local teacher Meena Joshi. “First Morbi, now this. How long will we be ignored?”

Experts say a comprehensive state-wide infrastructure audit is now urgent, especially during monsoon season when erosion and swelling rivers put added pressure on aging structures.

FINAL WORD: A CITY IN MOURNING, A STATE DEMANDING ANSWERS

As cranes pull twisted steel and mangled cars from the river, Vadodara mourns its dead and prays for the missing. This isn’t just about a bridge. It’s about trust — and how quickly it can collapse when lives are treated as numbers.

For the victims, justice must flow faster than the river that claimed them.