(Observer Network) On October 30, local time, the collapse of the Morbi suspension bridge in Gujarat, India caused casualties. According to Reuters, the number of casualties has risen to 132, citing the latest news from senior local officials.
According to reports from the Times of India, the Hindu newspaper and the New Delhi TV station, on the evening of October 30, local time, a suspension bridge with a history of nearly 150 years suddenly collapsed and fell into the river, causing hundreds of casualties. Rescue is still in progress. The bridge has just undergone 7 months of renovation and has been reopened to the public for only 5 days.
New Delhi TV report screenshot: Gujarat Bridge collapsed: The death toll climbed to 130, 177 rescued
According to the Times of India, the local government said that 400-500 people may have gathered on the bridge before the incident, and the tragedy may have occurred between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. About 60 people fell into the river and drowned, and more than 100 were taken to the hospital. Local officials said the dim sky and the thick algae in the Machu River hindered the rescue operation. According to the Hindu newspaper, relevant personnel said that there may be thousands of people on the bridge before the incident, and more than 350 people fell into the Machu River, which was spanned by the suspension bridge, and at least 40 people have died. New Delhi TV said that about 100 people were trapped in the Machu River, and people at the scene said that most of the bodies salvaged were women and children.
Before the suspension bridge collapses. Photo from social media
But no matter how many people were before the accident occurred on the bridge, according to the official statement of the Times of India, there were a lot of people on the bridge at that time, which had exceeded the limit that the bridge could bear. This collapsed suspension bridge is a popular spot in India and has a history of nearly 150 years. Currently, it is during the Hindu traditional festivals Diwali and Khatpuga festival.
New Delhi TV said that when the accident occurred, the bridge was reopened to the public on October 26 (Gujarat New Year), with a total maintenance cost of 20 million rupees (about 1.76 million yuan). Each tourist will pay Rs 17 to get on the bridge.
After the suspension bridge collapsed. Photo from Times of India
Indian Prime Minister Modi , who is inspecting Gujarat, has asked the local area to take immediate rescue operations. According to reports, the Prime Minister's Office said it would allocate a sum from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, which would provide a pension of 2 lakh rupees (about 17,600 yuan) to each person killed in the accident, and the injured would receive 50,000 rupees.
The scene was in chaos. Photo from the Times of India
Modi tweeted: "I am saddened by the tragedy that occurred in Morbi County, Gujarat. The matter has been discussed with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out in an accelerated manner and all necessary assistance is provided to the affected people."
Modi tweeted to mourn
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