Gambhira Bridge Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 15; Rescue Ops Continue Amid Rain, Rising River

By A Staff Reporter

Padra, Gujarat: The death toll in the Gambhira bridge collapse near Padra in Gujarat's Vadodara district rose to 15 on Tuesday, following the recovery of three more bodies, according to District Collector Anil Dhameliya. With four persons still missing, search and rescue operations are ongoing, led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

“The death toll stands at 15 now with recovery of 3 more bodies today. Four persons remain missing. NDRF and SDRF are conducting search and rescue operations even till 4 km downstream,” Dhameliya said, while addressing the media.

Challenging weather conditions have further complicated the efforts. “There is rainfall, and the water level in the river has risen, making rescue work more difficult,” he added. Authorities are also trying to identify two vehicles stuck in the sludge at the collapse site and have appealed to the public for information.

A major concern now is an empty tanker hanging precariously from the collapsed section of the bridge. “If we move it, it could fall,” Dhameliya said. “The process to stabilise the tanker is underway, as rescue teams are working right beneath that area.”