Morning began on a good note for Sonalben's family, as they were headed to Bagdana to offer prayers. Little did they know that things would take an awry turn.

The 900-metre-long Gambhira bridge served as a critical link between Central Gujarat, South Gujarat and Saurashtra. Its catchment area spans 30,976 square kilometres, underscoring its importance in the region’s transport network.

At least nine people have died and several others were wounded on Wednesday after multiple vehicles fell into the Mahisagar River when a portion of the Gambhira Bridge caved in. Locals allege the bridge ‘shook’ when vehicles passed through it.