The suspension bridge collapsed over Gujarat’s Machchhu river in Morbi, which was recently opened again for the public after renovation, after over 500 people came to see it on Sunday. Air Force, Navy and Army join NDRF for rescue operations.
The Cable bridge was reopened on the occasion of Gujarati New Year
Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Vadodara, laid the foundation stone for a C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing plant, a cable bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi area on the Machchhu river collapsed on Sunday. As per news agency, local hospital has said that till now more than 100 people have died in the incident. The bridge was reopened on the occasion of Gujarati New Year just a few days back on October 26, for the public after renovation.
It got collapsed recently because it could not bear the weight of the people who were standing on it, they said. Now, a private firm had done the repair work of the bridge.
Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, more than 500 people had come to see the hanging bridge, including children, when the accident took place. It was also the weekend, when this incident transpired. The people had gathered to perform some rituals on the bridge in connection with the Chhath puja.
Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia said, “When the bridge collapsed, there were at least 100 people present on it. Out of this, around 60 people were still missing and 40 were rescued. Some are still being rescued as five to ten were hanging on the bridge”.
A five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed
To investigate the bridge collapse tragedy, a five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed. The team consists of an IAS officer of municipal administration, a structural engineer, a chief engineer to check quality control, the secretary of building and road and IG CID crime. Rescue work is hampered because it is nighttime, said officials.
BJP MP from Rajkot Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, in the latest update has informed that more than 100 dead bodies have been recovered, of which more are of women, children and elderly. He further said that the remaining people have been rescued.
Several reports have said that the historic bridge which is of 230 metre was built in the 19th century during British rule. It had been closed for six months for renovation and was reopened last week for the public.
Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams hurried to the bridge collapse site in Gujarat from Gandhinagar in Vadodara, another team to be airlifted.
CM Bhupender Patel gives ex-gratia
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupender Patel said the officials have been given instructions to arrange emergency treatment for the injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the calamity of the suspension bridge collapse in Morbi. Rescue and relief operations are going on by the system. The system has been instructed to give immediate treatment for the injured and I am in continuous contact with the district administration in this matter”, said the Chief Minister.
The Gujarat Chief Minister has also declared that the state will provide ₹50,000 to the injured and ₹4 lakhs to the family of each and every deceased.
The CM also announced that to directly monitor the situation he will be leaving for Morbi, “By canceling all my upcoming events today, I am leaving for Morbi. Necessary coordination with the system and Direct monitoring of the situation will be achieved by directly reaching the site in person.” he wrote this on twitter.
In a video shared by a news agency, several people in order to rescue themselves are seen swimming to the banks. They were seen still stuck to land, holding onto a chunk of the bridge.
PM Modi intervenes, announces aid
The Prime Minister’s office informed that, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and other officials regarding the tragedy in Morbi. He sought for the rescue operations “urgent mobilization” of teams. He also asked that the situation be continuously and closely monitored and extend all possible support and help to those affected”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also declared an ex-gratia for the next of kin ₹2 lakh, each of those who died. The injured persons would be given a total amount of ₹50,000.
President of India Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences for all the people who lost their lives and were affected. She said via tweet, “The tragedy in Gujarat’s Morbi has left me worried. My prayers and thoughts are with the affected people. Rescue and relief efforts will bring aid to the victims”.
Amit Shah assures NDRF help to the affected people
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will quickly reach the site of a suspension bridge collapse in Morbi and that the administration has already carried out rescue and relief operations.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragedy in Morbi.” I have talked to Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home, Gujarat and many other officials on this matter,” he added.
Read More: Gujarat Morbi Bridge Collapsed, 133 Deaths Reported So Far
