Friday, March 29, 2024

Gujarat suspension bridge collapsed; Death toll rises to 60

A suspension bridge on Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi town collapsed late Sunday evening, leaving more than 60 people dead.

There were about 500 people on the bridge when it collapsed. Videos from the spot showed many struggling in the water, trying to reach the bank in darkness.

Rescue operations are underway. Many local residents joined in the efforts to rescue the injured. Seventeen people have been rescued and admitted in hospital.

“Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said to PTI news agency.

The bridge was nearly a century old, and had only recently re-opened after renovation just four days ago, on October 26, on the occasion of Gujarati New Year.

The bridge collapsed this evening when around 500 people had congregated on it to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja.

Prime Minister Narendra, who was in Gujarat today, ordered urgent rescue operations.  The PMO tweeted that he had spoken to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and “sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops.”

“I express my condolences to the families of the citizens who lost their lives in the tragedy of Morbi. The state government will provide ₹ 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and ₹ 50,000 to the injured,” tweeted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

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