The death toll in the tragic Gambhira bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has risen to 13, after two more bodies were recovered on Thursday from the Mahisagar river, where a section of the bridge collapsed a day earlier.
The bridge, which connected Vadodara and Anand, gave way on Wednesday, sending vehicles and passengers plunging into the river below. Among the vehicles that fell were two trucks, two pickup vans, and a rickshaw, while two other vehicles remained stranded on the broken structure.
Rescue operations entered their second day with personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continuing intensive search and relief efforts. Vadodara District Collector Anil Dhameliya and local administration officials have been regularly visiting the site to oversee operations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences and assured support to those affected.
“The accident that occurred in Vadodara district of Gujarat is very tragic. NDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations, and all possible assistance is being provided. My condolences are with those who have lost loved ones,” Shah wrote on X.
Vadodara Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand stated that a 10-15 metre slab from the center of the bridge had collapsed.
“Nine people have been rescued. Five have been referred to SSG Hospital. Thankfully, none are reported to be in critical condition,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the families of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also declared ₹4 lakh compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Investigations are expected to follow once operations conclude. The tragedy has raised concerns over the structural safety of bridges in the region, with calls for urgent inspection and maintenance across key infrastructure.