Authorities confirmed on Thursday that 15 people have died following the Vadodara bridge collapse on July 9. Multiple vehicles plunged into the river after the Gambhira Bridge gave way. At least three individuals remain missing. Rescue efforts continue at full pace.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local agencies are conducting non-stop search and recovery operations. So far, over eight people have been rescued.
District Collector Dr Anil Dhameliya addressed the media on Wednesday morning with an update from the site. “The NDRF and SDRF are conducting extensive search operations across a 4-kilometre downstream stretch. Three more bodies were recovered this morning. The death toll now stands at 15,” he stated. “Three people are still unaccounted for. The support from locals has been commendable.”
Two vehicles—a car and an Eicher tempo—are still missing. The tempo remains stuck in thick mud, making retrieval difficult. Dr. Dhameliya urged the public to share any information on missing persons. “Every lead helps our teams on the ground,” he said.
Among the vehicles involved, an empty chemical tanker still hangs dangerously from the broken structure. “If moved without support, it may fall. Teams are working to stabilise it,” added Dr. Dhameliya.
The Padra Police have registered a case of accidental death. Local resident Arjunsinh Madhavsinh Padhiar from Dariyapura near Mujpur filed the complaint. A full investigation will begin after rescue operations end.
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are on standby to examine structural evidence. Authorities will record survivor statements and interviews with families of the victims.
Environmental concerns have grown after reports that one submerged vehicle carried chemicals. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) inspected the site. Emergency protocols are in place to prevent river contamination. Officials may demolish parts of the remaining bridge if deemed unsafe.
Ignored warnings and structural neglect
The Gambhira Bridge was built over 40 years ago. Locals had repeatedly warned of its poor condition. Despite these alerts, the bridge remained a key route for heavy and light vehicles connecting Vadodara’s rural areas with Saurashtra.
Recent monsoon rains may have further weakened the already fragile foundation. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound just before the collapse. This indicates a likely structural failure due to long-term neglect and absence of maintenance.
Local residents and activists had earlier submitted memorandums demanding a safety audit. Authorities took no action.
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