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Five labourers injured as part of under-construction bridge collapses in Gujarat’s Valsad

A scaffolding support slipped during girder-laying work, according to the Valsad district collector. An inquiry is underway

2 min readUpdated: Dec 12, 2025 02:06 PM IST

The exact financial loss from the collapse is yet to be assessed (Express Photo).

Five labourers were injured after the span between two pillars of an under-construction bridge on the Auranga river in Valsad town collapsed on Friday morning. They were taken to Kasturba Hospital, where officials said all are in stable condition. Authorities later began clearing the debris.

The bridge, being built by the state Road and Building Department, is over 700 metres long and will connect Valsad town to nearby villages. Construction began in 2024. An old, low-lying bridge exists at the same location, but due to its poor structural condition and submergence during monsoon, the state government approved a new high-rise bridge, estimated to cost Rs 42 crore and targeted for completion by July 2026.

During monsoon, when water levels rise in the Auranga, the old bridge is routinely closed, causing inconvenience to daily commuters.

Valsad district collector Bhavya Verma said, “The work of laying pillars on the Auranga river has been completed, and the girder-laying work was underway. While removing the scaffolding, one of the support structures slipped, causing the span in the tail area between two pillars to collapse. Five labourers were injured and have been rushed to Kasturba Hospital. Their condition is stable.”

He added, “The contract was given to Royal Engineering Infra Private Limited. We have set up an inquiry into the incident, and based on its report, we will decide further action.”

An official from the Valsad Road and Building Department said the exact financial loss from the collapse is yet to be assessed.

After the incident, rescue teams used drilling machines and cranes to remove debris. Residents from nearby areas gathered to film the operation, with videos circulating on social media. Police also reached the spot to manage the crowd and control traffic.

Kamal Saiyed

Kamal Saiyed is a senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, providing extensive, on-the-ground coverage from Surat and the broader South Gujarat region and the Union territories of Daman, Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli. With a reporting career at the publication spanning back to 2007, he has established himself as a high-authority voice on the industrial, social, and political pulse of one of India’s fastest-growing urban hubs. Expertise Industrial & Economic Beat: Based in the "Diamond City," Saiyed offers expert reporting on the diamond and textile industries. His work tracks global market shifts (such as De Beers production changes), local trade policies, and the socio-economic challenges facing the millions of workers in Surat’s manufacturing hubs. Civic & Infrastructure Coverage: He consistently reports on urban development and public safety in Surat, including: Traffic & Urban Planning: Monitoring the city's 13-fold increase in traffic violations and the implementation of new municipal drives. Public Safety: Investigative reporting on infrastructure failures, fire safety NOC compliance in schools and commercial buildings, and Metro rail progress. Political Reporting: Tracking the shifting dynamics between the BJP, Congress, and AAP in South Gujarat and the neighboring Union Territories (Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli). Crime beat: Armed with a good source network Saiyed has been able to bring out the human side of crime stories in his region ... Read More

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