Cable bridge collapses in Gujarat’s Morbi. 35 Dead, 100 Feared Trapped
Ahmedabad: A British-era bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed just a week after being reconstructed, killing at least 60 people. The search for more than 100 others who fell into the river. The government accepts responsibility for the tragedy, the minister said.
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The bridge collapsed at 6:42 this evening when about 500 people had gathered on it to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja.
According to reports, about 100 people are still trapped in the waters of the Machu River. Video footage from the scene showed many people struggling in the water and trying to get ashore in the dark. Seventeen people were rescued and hospitalized.
The rope bridge at Morbi was renovated and reopened to the public on October 26 – the Gujarati New Year.
“The renovation took place last week. We are also shocked. We are investigating the matter… The government is taking responsibility for this tragedy,” said Brijesh Merja, Gujarat’s labor and employment minister in an exclusive interview with
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Chief Minister. All the top government officials are present,” he told
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Gujarat today, tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the tragedy in Morbi. I have spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Shri @Bhupendrabjp and other officials about it. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing and all affected are being provided with necessary assistance “.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi.
SDRF teams, fire brigades, steamers from Rajkot and Kutch – they all reached Morbi as the crow flies.
“My condolences to the families of the citizens who lost their lives in the Morbi tragedy. The state government will provide ₹ 4,000 to the family of each deceased and ₹ 50,000 to the injured,” Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tweeted.
A compensation of ₹2,000 was announced to the families of the victims from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
