The bridge connects Gora village with Kevadia colony near the Sardar Sarovar dam.
Driver of Tata Magic van, with some 13 boys in the age group of 13 to 15 inside, lost control while crossing the Gora bridge and the van fell into the river, said mamlatdar (revenue official) of Garudeshwar, A B Pawiyad.
"Since water is not yet released from the dam, the water level wasn't high. We have rescued eight boys but five lost their lives. We found their bodies," said Pawiyad.
"As per the daily routine, they were headed for their tuitions. They study in 8th, 9th and 10th standards. We don't yet know the exact number of students travelling in the van as the driver is still missing", Pawiyad said.