At Least 9 Dead in Massive Bridge Collapse

A bridge collapse in Gujarat, India has killed at least nine people. Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed the Gambhira Bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning, leaving several vehicles falling into the Mahisagar River.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with nine bodies recovered so far and five others injured in the accident.

The bridge, in the state's Vadodara district, was built in 1985.

The Press Trust of India reported a 35-year-old woman, Sonalben Padhiyar, hanging on a fallen vehicle, pleading with bystanders to save her family after the vehicle they were driving fell into the Mahisagar river this morning. But her husband and children had already drowned by the time rescue teams reached the scene.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families and survivors of the Gambhira Bridge collapse, saying the incident was “deeply saddening.” He announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

India's infrastructure is surrounded by safety concerns, with many structures, highways, and bridges built during British rule.

In 2022, a deadly bridge collapse sent hundreds into the water. The century-old Morbi Suspension Bridge collapsed when a cable snapped, killing 135 people, including 54 children.

“People were hanging from the bridge after the accident, but they slipped and fell into the river when it collapsed,” said a witness named Raju. “I could not sleep the entire night as I had helped in the rescue operation. I brought a lot of children to the hospital.”

Another survivor, Narendrasinh Jadeja, lost seven family members, including four children, in the Morbi Suspension Bridge collapse.

“I cannot express how angry and helpless I am feeling," said Jadeja.

At Least 9 Dead in Massive Bridge Collapse first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 9, 2025