Vadodara, The death toll in the bridge collapse incident over a river in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has risen to 13 after two more bodies were recovered. Officials provided this information on Thursday. On Wednesday morning, a portion of the four-decade-old bridge near Gambhira village close to Padra town collapsed, causing several vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar River.

The Superintendent of Police of Vadodara district, Rohan Anand, stated, “With the recovery of two more bodies from the river on Wednesday night, the number of fatalities in the bridge collapse incident has increased to 13. Five injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.”

6 Vehicles Submerged, 13 Bodies Recovered, 5 Injured Hospitalized

The two bodies recovered overnight have been identified as Mehram Hathiya (51) and Vishnu Rawal (27). According to officials, a slab of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge, which connects central Gujarat to Saurashtra, collapsed around 7 AM on Wednesday, causing vehicles passing over it to fall into the river. Anand mentioned that out of the nine rescued individuals, five are injured and receiving treatment at SSG (Sir Sayajirao General) Hospital in Vadodara. He added that none of the injured are in critical condition.

As per an official release, a team of senior officials from the Roads and Buildings Department arrived on Thursday morning for a high-level investigation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies are conducting search and rescue operations in the river. The release stated that various officials, including Vadodara District Collector Anil Dhamelia, visited the site on Thursday morning to inspect the operations, while teams of revenue officials and police remained stationed there overnight.

Vadodara

Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is a historic city in Gujarat, India, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and royal legacy. It was once the capital of the Gaekwad dynasty, which ruled the Baroda State and left behind grand palaces like the Laxmi Vilas Palace. Today, Vadodara is a vibrant educational and cultural hub, blending its royal past with modern development.

Mahisagar River

The **Mahisagar River** is a significant river in western India, flowing through the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been an important water source for agriculture and settlements, with several ancient and medieval temples and stepwells along its banks. The river is also associated with local legends and cultural traditions, particularly in Gujarat, where it holds religious importance.

Gambhira village

Gambhira Village is a cultural site in Bangladesh, renowned for its traditional *Gambhira* dance and folk performances, which often address social and political issues through satire. Rooted in the region’s Hindu and Muslim traditions, Gambhira art dates back centuries and is closely tied to festivals like Chaitra Sankranti. Today, it serves as a vibrant symbol of local heritage, blending music, dance, and storytelling.

Padra town

Padra Town, also known as Padra or Patra, is a historic coastal town in Gujarat, India, with roots tracing back to ancient times as a significant port for trade and maritime activities. It was an important center during the medieval period under various rulers, including the Mughals and the British. Today, Padra is known for its cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and remnants of its historical past, including old temples and colonial-era structures.

Gambhira-Mujpur bridge

The Gambhira-Mujpur Bridge is a vital infrastructure project in Bangladesh, connecting the regions of Gambhira and Mujpur to improve transportation and trade. While specific historical details are limited, such bridges in Bangladesh often play key roles in fostering regional connectivity and economic growth. The bridge exemplifies modern engineering efforts to enhance accessibility in rural or underserved areas.

Saurashtra

Saurashtra is a peninsula in western India, primarily located in the state of Gujarat, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Historically, it was part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and later ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Solankis. The region is famous for its temples, traditional handicrafts, and the vibrant festival of Navratri, as well as being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi in Porbandar.

SSG (Sir Sayajirao General) Hospital

SSG (Sir Sayajirao General) Hospital, located in Vadodara, Gujarat, is one of the largest and oldest government hospitals in India. Established in the late 19th century during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, it was named in his honor and has since been a key healthcare institution in the region. The hospital provides affordable medical care and is affiliated with the Government Medical College, Vadodara, playing a vital role in medical education and public health services.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

The **National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)** is India’s specialized disaster response unit, established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act. It operates under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and consists of trained battalions from paramilitary forces to handle natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and chemical emergencies. The NDRF has played a crucial role in numerous rescue operations, both domestically and internationally, earning recognition for its swift and effective disaster response efforts.