A bridge collapse in Gujarat, India, sent several vehicles into the Mahisagar River, killing at least nine people and injuring five. The bridge, built in 1985, gave way on Wednesday morning. Rescue operations are ongoing, and Prime Minister Modi called the incident "deeply saddening." The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety in India.

At least nine individuals have been confirmed dead following the tragic collapse of a bridge over the Mahisagar River in India’s western Gujarat state, as reported by local authorities.

Gujarat’s Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, stated that multiple vehicles plunged into the river early Wednesday morning when a portion of the Gambhira Bridge suddenly gave way. The incident occurred in the Vadodara district, and the bridge in question was originally constructed in 1985.

According to senior civil servant Anil Dhameliya, emergency personnel have recovered at least nine bodies from the scene. In addition, five other people sustained injuries as a result of the collapse. Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing, with teams working diligently to locate any remaining victims and clear the debris.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the disaster, describing the event as “deeply saddening” and extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Concerns over infrastructure safety have plagued India for many years, with repeated warnings from experts and past incidents underscoring the urgency of structural maintenance and oversight. In a similar catastrophe in 2022, a colonial-era cable suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchu River, also in Gujarat, sending hundreds of people into the water and claiming the lives of at least 132 individuals. That event remains one of the deadliest bridge disasters in the country’s history.