Nearly 100 dead in Gujarat Morbi bridge collapse: hundreds injured

MORBI, GUJARAT: Nearly 100 people are feared to be dead and hundreds more injured after an old, heritage suspension cable bridge on the Machchhu river in the Morbi district of Gujarat collapsed due to overloading on Sunday evening.

An IAF plane with the NDRF, navy divers and other equipment was rushed to provide search and rescue support and recover bodies of people who drowned after the ill-fated bridge collapsed.

The nearly century-old suspension bridge built during the British era in the 19th century on the Machchhu river collapsed around 6.30 pm Sunday, owing to too many people on it following its reopening just four days ago after renovation. According to estimates and eyewitness accounts, nearly 470 to 500 people were on the bridge when it broke and collapsed.

”Cable bridge collapse in Gujarat points to the gross negligence of the BJP government. Its repair was said to be done five days back. Where from the contractors got this courage? The compensation needs to be increased. A reliable enquiry should take place to unveil political involvement,” CPI leader Binoy Viswam tweeted.

A private operator had carried out the repair work of the bridge for nearly six months before it was reopened to the public on the Gujarati New Year day celebrated on October 26. (READ THE LATEST UPDATES ON MORBI BRIDGE COLLAPSE HERE)

UPDATE: 31st October, 10.45 am (10.45 HRS) IST: The death toll in the Morbi bridge collapse has risen to almost 148, with more bodies being found as rescue work continues. Nearly 190 injured persons have been either admitted to hospitals or treated and sent home, after first aid and other treatment.