‘We saw cars fall into the river’: Fishermen witness Gujarat bridge collapse, rush to rescue victims

Vadodara: What began as a routine morning on the Mahisagar River for fisherman Narendra Mali turned into a rescue mission after a span of the Gambhira bridge suddenly collapsed, sending vehicles plunging into the water.

Mali and other fishermen were casting their nets near the riverbank when they heard unsettling sounds from above. Looking up, they saw a section of the decades-old bridge give way.

They left no time and swung into action; some trapped passengers were pulled to safety before formal rescue teams arrived. However, despite their efforts, at least 11 people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in the collapse.

Gambhira bridge collapse

The Gambhira bridge, connecting Gujarat's Vadodara and Anand districts, has been in service since 1985. Locals have long raised alarms about its poor condition, often describing how the bridge shook violently whenever vehicles passed.

Local BJP MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala had recommended that a new bridge be constructed. While a survey for the replacement was reportedly completed, the current structure was temporarily repaired and allowed to remain open to traffic, a decision that now faces heavy criticism.

Teams from the police, fire department, and disaster response force continued the rescue and recovery operations at the site.

Eyewitnesses say at least four vehicles were on the collapsed stretch when it gave way. Survivors are being treated at nearby hospitals, while officials have launched an inquiry into the structural failure.