A British-era bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi has collapsed just a week after renovation, killing at least 91 people yesterday, NDTV reported. It said search is on for over 100 others, who have fallen into the river. A special team has been formed to probe the matter.
The suspension bridge — 200 km from Ahmedabad — collapsed at 6.42 this evening when around 500 people had congregated on it to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja. .
According to reports, around 100 people are still feared trapped in the waters of the Machchhu River. Videos from the spot showed many struggling in the water, trying to reach the bank in the dark. Many of the dead are women and children, locals say. Seventy people have been rescued and admitted to hospital.
The cable bridge in Morbi — nearly 150 years old and a popular tourist spot — was closed for seven months for renovation. It was reopened to the public on October 26, the Gujarati New Year. There was a Rs. 17 ticket to access the bridge.
“Renovation happened last week. We are also shocked. We are looking into the matter… The government takes responsibility for this tragedy,” Brijesh Merja, Gujarat’s minister for Labour and Employment, told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Gujarat, tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the tragedy at Morbi. Talked to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and other officials about this. Relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected”.
