About 141 people have died, while more than a 100 other have been admitted and are under treatment after a colonial-era cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi town on Sunday evening, plunging over 350 people into the river.
Nine persons of the Oreva group, involved in the maintenance and management of the bridge, were arrested on October 31 in connection with the collapse of the cable suspension bridge on the Machchhu river. Police have registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide against agencies given the task of maintenance and operation of the bridge in Morbi city which collapsed on Sunday evening.
Also Read | Wall clock, e-bike maker Oreva group at centre of Morbi bridge collapse
Several teams of NDRF and personnel of Navy and Air Force have been ordered to be airlifted to the site to help in the rescue efforts and comb the river bed as many people are feared drowned in the 10 feet deep water.
Watch | Morbi bridge collapse, as it happened
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on November 1 afternoon visit Gujarat’s Morbi, Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office announced. Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who is in Kevadia, stated that rescue opeations were under way and there would be no laxity in rescue and relief efforts.
Here are the live updates:
PM Modi chairs high-level meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday night chaired a meeting on the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat and asked authorities to extend all possible help to those affected by the tragedy, officials said.
At the meeting, which took place at the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar, the PM, who is touring poll-bound Gujarat, was briefed on the relief and rescue operations at the accident site, located around 300 km from the State capital, they said.
Mr. Modi emphasised on ensuring that those affected by the disaster get all possible assistance, the officials said. - PTI
12 relatives of Rajkot MP Mohan Kundariya killed
Lok Sabha member from Rajkot Mohan Kundariya said 12 of his relatives were among those killed in the suspension bridge collapse in Morbi town of Gujarat.
They had gone to visit the picnic spot on Sunday when the tragedy took place, the BJP MP said. Mr. Kundariya said the 12 victims from his family included five children, four women and three men, all close relatives of his elder brother.
About 300 Army personnel deployed in search and rescue operation
Around 300 Army personnel have been deployed in the search and rescue operation at the Morbi bridge incident site in which over 140 people lost their lives, said army sources.
Army columns equipped with Engineer Stores are assisting NDRF, SDRF, Indian Navy, Coast Guard in the rescue operations and assisting civil administration and police in crowd management and security.
As many as nine Army Columns including Engineer Task Force and Medical Detachments mobilized out of Dhrangdhara, Jamnagar, Bhuj by 8.40 p.m yesterday. The first Column reached at 9.30 p.m. After arrival, Army columns first started crowd control & route clearance from the accident site to civil hospital, informed army sources. - ANI
Days before collapse, firm claimed it had spent ₹2 crore on renovation, materials made as per specifications
Morbi-based clock and e-bike maker Oreva group was given a contract by the Morbi Municipality to repair and operate the ill-fated hanging bridge for 15 years and charge tickets in the range of ₹10 to ₹15 for its use, as per documents of the municipality assessed on Monday.
The firm had claimed on October 26 that it had roped in experts for the repair work, adding that the material used was built as per specifications by “specialised firms”.
After the completion of the renovation, the hanging bridge, originally built in 1887 by the erstwhile Morbi ruler Vaghji Thakor, was thrown open for the public on October 26 by Oreva Group’s Jaysukh Patel and his family in the presence of the media. - PTI
Gujarat Police arrest nine people
In the wake of the bridge collapse tragedy killing over 140 people, Gujarat Police arrested nine persons of the Oreva group — 2 managers, 2 contractors, 3 security guards and 2 ticket window clerks — involved in the maintenance and management of the colonial-era bridge in Morbi.
“We arrested nine persons in connection with Morbi bridge collapse tragedy,” said Rajkot Range IG Ashok Yadav - Delhi Bureau
CPI(M) seeks accountability of Gujarat Govt
Alleging administrative failure, the CPI(M) blamed the Gujarat Government for the Morbi bridge collapse.
“Firstly, we express our deepest condolences for the incident. It has been a horrific tragedy. The death toll is increasing every hour. The State Government’s immediate priority should be to save as many lives as possible. But at the same time, the Gujarat Government is answerable to various questions arising from this tragedy.
“Without safety measures, how was the bridge opened in the first place? You have a certain number of people who could stand on the bridge. Why was that limit crossed? Who are the people responsible for this tragedy? The government must be made accountable for this monumental tragedy,” Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters on the sidelines of the party’s three-day Central Committee meeting. - PTI
It seems as if a calamity has befallen all of us: Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama extended his condolences to the families of those who died in the Morbi suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat.
In a letter to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, the spiritual leader said he prays for those who have died and offers his condolence to the families who have lost their loved ones as well as others affected by this most unfortunate accident.
“When incidents like this and the disaster in South Korea take place, it is as if a calamity has befallen all of us. It is my hope that every effort will be made to prevent such tragic accidents occurring in the future,” the Dalai Lama said. - PTI
Mischievous kids were shaking ropes of bridge before it collapsed: Survivor
A survivor of Gujarat’s Morbi bridge tragedy, while recounting the harrowing moment, said that some mischievous children were shaking the ropes of the bridge before it came down killing about more than 140 people and injuring many.
Search and Rescue operations underway after a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed into the Machhu River on October 30, 2022. | Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji
”It happened around 6.30 p.m. Some 15-20 mischievous young children were shaking the ropes of the bridge. Three times a noise came from it before it collapsed,” said Ashwin Mehra, a survivor. When asked how he survived the tragedy, he said, “I held on to branches of nearby trees and eventually escaped. I had my friend Prakash with me and he also survived.”
He sustained injuries in his leg and back. He is undergoing treatment at a government hospital. All the injured survivors in of the Morbi bridge collapse incident are admitted to GMERS General Hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Morbi in Gujarat on Tuesday, the State Chief Minister’s office said. - ANI
Saudi Arabia wishes the injured a speedy recovery
Saudi Arabia expressed condolences to India over the many lives lost in Gujarat’s Morbi district due to the collapse of a suspension bridge. ”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s sincere condolences to the friendly Republic of India, due to the unfortunate collapse of a suspension bridge in the western Indian State of Gujarat, which caused a number of casualties and injured others,” Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.”
The Kingdom extends its deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased, and to the friendly Indian people, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” it added. - ANI
Search and rescue operations on at the site where the bridge collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat, on October 31, 2022. | Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji
Foreign envoys extended their deep condolences
Foreign envoys extended their deep condolences to India on the loss of precious lives in the tragic incident of the bridge collapse in Morbi, Gujarat. Among the Ambassadors who extended their condolences were Denis Alipov, Russian Ambassador to India; Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India; Cameron MacKay, High Commissioner for Canada in India, as well as, US Embassy in India.”
An awful tragedy happened yesterday in Morbi! Profound condolences to the relatives of those many perished, to Prime Minister Modi and all the people of India and Gujarat! Speedy recovery to the injured!” tweeted Alipov.
U.S. Embassy in India also extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims and families of this terrible tragedy. ”The U.S. Mission in India is deeply saddened by news of the collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat. Our condolences go out to the victims and families of this terrible tragedy,” tweeted the U.S. Embassy.
France too expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. ”Deeply saddened by the loss of lives following the tragic incident of #MorbiBridge collapse in #Gujarat. France expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims & wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” tweeted Lenain. - ANI
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expresses grief over loss of lives in Gujarat bridge collapse
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat. CM Kumar has also demanded an inquiry into the incident. ”It is a sad incident. Many people have died. It was an old bridge which was repaired recently. Government should look into it,” Bihar Chief Minister told media persons in Patna. - ANI
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot demands fair probe
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat and demanded a fair investigation into the matter. CM Gehlot called the incident of the bridge collapse in Morbi very tragic.
”The government should do a fair investigation and find out how the bridge collapsed after being open after renovation a few days ago and punish the culprits. Good treatment should be provided to the injured and the families of the deceased should be given compensation,” said CM Gehlot. - ANI
Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe expresses grief
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed grief over the bridge collapse incident and extended his condolences to the victims and their families.
In a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Wickremesinghe said he is “shocked and saddened” by the tragic bridge collapse incident in Morbi, according to a press release issued by the President’s office.
“The government and people of Sri Lanka join me in extending deepest condolences to you, the government and people of India especially the families of the citizens who lost their lives. May the injured have a speedy recovery and wish every success in the rescue and recovery operations under way,” the President said. - PTI
Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses condolences
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in a bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi city.
In a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was published on the Kremlin website on Monday, Mr. Putin said, “Dear Ms. President, dear Mr. Prime Minister, please accept my heartfelt condolences over the tragic bridge collapse in the State of Gujarat.” Mr. Putin also conveyed his words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, and wished all those injured a speedy recovery, state-owned TASS news agency reported. - PTI
Nepal PM Deuba expresses grief over loss of lives
Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba extended his condolences to the families of those who died in a bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi city. Taking to Twitter, Mr. Deuba said he is deeply saddened by the tragic incident.
“We extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India on the loss of precious lives. Our thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families,” he added. - PTI
PM Modi to visit Morbi on November 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will visit Gujarat’s Morbi where at least 141 people were killed when a suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchhu river. The Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office announced that Mr. Modi would visit Morbi on Tuesday afternoon.
Rescue operations were in full swing at Morbi, around 300 km from Gujarat capital Gandhinagar, with teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indian Air Force, Army and Navy joining local personnel in the effort.
Mr. Modi, who is on a visit to Gujarat, paid tributes to those who died in Sunday’s bridge collapse. “I am in Kevadia, but my heart goes out to those who died in the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy,” the Prime Minister said as he got emotional. - PTI
Tamil Nadu condoles Gujarat bridge collapse deaths
Expressing grief, Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and AIADMK leader K. Palaniswami on Monday conveyed their condolences to the family members and relatives of more than 100 people who were killed in the Gujarat suspension bridge collapse.
In his condolence message, Mr. Ravi said he was grieved over the loss of invaluable lives. He prayed for the quick recovery of the injured people, the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan said on its Twitter handle.
CM Stalin said he was deeply pained by the loss of so many innocent lives in the Morbi bridge collapse. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. While I wish for the speedy recovery of those who have sustained injuries, the remaining people trapped must be rescued safely at the earliest,” the Chief Minister said on his Twitter handle.
AIADMK interim general secretary K. Palaniswami in his condolence message said he was anguished by the death of more than 135 people and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased. Palaniswami, who is also the Leader of Opposition said he prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured people. - PTI
Wall clock, e-bike maker Oreva group at centre of Morbi bridge collapse
Oreva group, which is under scanner following the collapse of a suspension bridge at Morbi in Gujarat that killed at least 141 people, specialises in CFL bulbs, wall clocks and e-bikes and it is not known how it managed to get the contract to maintain an over 100-year-old bridge.
Founded by Odhavji Raghavji Patel nearly five decades back, the firm manufactures wall clocks under the popular Ajanta and Orpat brands.
Singapore envoy Simon saddened over loss of lives
Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong condoled the loss of lives after a cable bridge collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat. ”Deeply saddened by the loss of many lives due to the collapse of the cable bridge in Morbi, Gujarat. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and the injured. Our hearts are with the people of Gujarat,” tweeted Singapore High Commissioner.” - ANI
Chief Minister should resign: AAP leader Durgesh Pathak
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, AAP leader Durgesh Pathak said, “There is no bigger example of corruption in independent India. A bridge which was opened five days ago collapsed and more than 100 people have died. The government in Gujarat is very corrupt. The government is run by thieves and corrupt people, else the situation can’t be this worse.”
“There should be a criminal investigation [into the incident] and those involved must be sent to jail. And from top to bottom, there should be an inquiry on everyone, including Chief Minister of Gujarat, on who all got money from the corruption,” he added.
“Gujarat is becoming a model of corruption. The Chief Minister should resign and there should be a criminal investigation against him,” Mr. Pathak said. — Nikhil M. Babu
Congress demands probe headed by retired SC/HC judge
Volunteers and health workers carry a victim after a cable bridge across the Machchu river collapsed in Morbi town of western state Gujarat on October 31, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP
The Congress on Monday demanded a probe headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge into the Morbi suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the reasons for the collapse of the bridge that reopened five days ago, ought to be known. “Why were so many people allowed. There should be an inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge,” Mr. Kharge said.
Arvind Kejriwal cancels road show in Adampur
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has cancelled all his programmes, including the scheduled roadshow in Haryana’s Adampur, for the upcoming bypoll in the assembly seat, in the wake of the collapse of the bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi. “Very sad news is coming from Gujarat. Many people are reported to have fallen into the river due to the collapse of the bridge in Morbi. I pray to God for their life and health,” tweeted Mr. Kejriwal on Sunday.
There would be no laxity in rescue efforts: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Kevadia stated that rescue ops were underway and there would be no laxity in rescue and relief efforts. “The Gujarat Government has been carrying out relief and rescue operations since yesterday. Centre too is extending all help to the State Government,” PM Modi said.
”The State Government has constituted a committee to investigate this incident. I assure the people of the country that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations,” PM Modi said. ¬ ANI
Death toll rises to 141; PM Modi turns emotional
The death toll in the Morbi bridge collapse touches 141, according to reports from officials and police from the Gujarat government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is Kevadia in Gujarat’s Narmada district, turned emotional while reacting to the loss of lives in the Morbi bridge tragedy. The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar in Kevadia.“I am in Kevadia but my heart goes out to Morbi bridge collapse victims, said Mr. Modi. “Troupes from across country came to Kevadia to perform traditional dances, but their programme has been cancelled due to present circumstance,” said the visibly emotional Prime Minister. ¬ PTI
Amit Shah condoles loss of lives in tragedy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed his grief over the loss of lives when the pedestrian suspension Morbi bridge collapsed on the Machchu river collapsed and over 130 people were killed.
”Several people lost their lives in yesterday’s incident in Gujarat. First of all, I express condolences to the families of all those who died in the unfortunate incident. May all those who died, rest in peace,” said Mr. Shah. ¬ ANI
Rescuers on boats search in the Machchu river next to a cable bridge that collapsed in Morbi town in Gujarat on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP
Rahul observes 2-minute silence
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other leaders and workers of the party taking part in the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Shadnagar in Telangana, observed a two-minute silence in memory of those killed in the Morbi suspension bridge tragedy in Gujarat. ¬ PTI
Over a dozen children among victims
According the latest information from officials at the Morbi cable bridge collapse site, among the victims of the tragedy were over a dozen children and women. The exact figures of the women victims are yet to be released.
MP’s relatives among the victims
According to latest report, Rajkot MP Mohan Kundariya’s 12 relatives were among the victims of the bridge collapse tragedy. Meanwhile, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi told presspersons that a criminal case has been lodged under and the investigation has begun under a range IG officer.
Death toll rises to 132; Congress’s State-wide yatra postponed to Tuesday
The death toll in the Morbi suspension bridge collapse tragedy rises to 132, according to Gujarat police officials. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata party has cancelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow even as the Gujarat Congress’ State-wide ‘yatra’ is being postponed for a day. Now the yatra from five routes will be kicked off from tomorrow
Rescue operation under way after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district, on Oct. 30, 2022 | Photo Credit: PTI
FIR filed under IPC sections 304, 308
The Gujarat Police has filed a First Information Report under IPC sections 304 and 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in the bridge collapse tragedy. It may be noted that the bridge was reopened without safety certificate and local civic body’s approval.Click here for the FIR (pdf). It has also emerged that the bridge was reopened after the repair work done by a private trust and fitness certificate was not submitted to the local civic body while reopening it.
Death toll climbs to 120
The death toll in the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy has risen to 120. Meanwhile, Multiple agencies carry the search and rescue operation overnight. The river is being combed by the fire brigade.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel holds review meeting
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday held a review meeting regarding the Morbi bridge collapse.
“A review meeting was held at the Morbi District Collector’s office with the Ministers of State, MPs, MLAs, administrative system, police system, and health service system officials and reviewed the accident’s situation comprehensively and gave necessary guidance,” tweeted CM Bhupendra Patel.-ANI
Gujarat CM visits Morbi; meets patients, takes stock of rescue and relief work
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Morbi city in the State on Sunday night and took stock of the ongoing rescue operation after a newly-restored suspension bridge over Machchhu river collapsed in the evening, killing at least 90 people.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the site to take stock of the situation after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Oct. 30, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI
After reaching Morbi, Mr. Patel along with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, reached the river bank and took details about the ongoing rescue operation from the officials a State government release said.
Mr. Patel and Mr. Sanghavi then reached the Morbi Civil Hospital to meet the injured victims of the mishap.-PTI
PM Modi cancels road show, page committee sammelan in wake of Morbi tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a three-day tour to Gujarat and Rajasthan has decided to cancel his roadshow to be held in Ahmedabad on Monday in the wake of the Morbi cable bridge collapse incident.
Late on Sunday evening, the BJP Gujarat media cell informed that “The Page Committee Sneh Milan program to be held in the virtual presence of Prime Minister Modi has been postponed.”
Speaking to ANI, BJP Gujarat media convenor, Dr Yagnesh Dave confirmed the news that there shall be no programs of celebration to be held tomorrow in the wake of the Morbi tragedy-ANI
Some youths shook suspension bridge, warned staff but they were indifferent: Visitor recounts experience
For Ahmedabad resident Vijay Goswami and his family members, it was a close shave as they had visited the suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi on Sunday afternoon, but returned halfway through the bridge out of fear after some youths from the crowd started shaking it.
A few hours later, their fears proved right when that bridge on the Machchhu river, a tourist attraction, collapsed around 6.30 pm.
Goswami said when he and his family were on the bridge, some youths started shaking the bridge intentionally, making it difficult for people to walk. He said since he felt this act could prove dangerous, he and family returned without proceeding further on the bridge. He said he even alerted the bridge staff about it, but they were indifferent.
“There was a huge crowd on the bridge. My family and I were on the bridge when some youths started shaking it intentionally. It was impossible for people to stand without holding any support. Since I had a feeling that it may prove dangerous, my family and I came back after covering some distance on the bridge,” Goswami told reporters after reaching Ahmedabad.
“Before leaving the spot, I alerted the on-duty staff to stop people from shaking the bridge. However, they were only interested in selling tickets and told us that there is no system to control the crowd. Hours after we left, our fears turned true as the bridge eventually collapsed,” he said.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, some youngsters can be seen kicking the ropes of the bridge and shaking it to scare other tourists.
A local resident said, “There were nearly 300 people on the bridge, which was opened a few days back for the public. Majority of the victims were children, as they came here to enjoy their Diwali vacation. Locals rushed to the spot immediately after the mishap, and pulled out many people alive.” A large number of people living in different parts of Morbi rushed to help those who fell into river after the bridge collapse.-PTI
PM Modi may visit Morbi tomorrow: sources
According to sources, the BJP is contemplating to cancel PM’s roadshow and other political events in the State. There is also a possibility of PM Modi visiting Morbi tomorrow to take stock of the situation as the death numbers are likely to go up.
The tragedy has occurred on the eve of announcement of Gujarat assembly polls, causing massive embarrassment to the ruling BJP, which lined up several big events and public rallies of PM Modi for October 31 and November 1 in the State.-Mahesh Langa
Collapsed Morbi suspension bridge had reopened 4 days back after 7-month-long repair work; lacked civic body’s fitness certificate
The suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi that collapsed on Sunday evening was reopened for the public just four days back after seven months of repair work by a private firm, but had not received the municipality's "fitness certificate", an official said.
"The bridge was given to Oreva company for operation and maintenance for 15 years. In March this year, it was closed for the public for renovation. It reopened after renovation on the Gujarati New Year day celebrated on October 26," said Chief Officer of Morbi Municipality Sandeepsinh Zala.
"It was opened to the public after the completion of the renovation work. But the local municipality had not yet issued any fitness certificate (after the renovation work)," he said.
An "engineering marvel" built at the turn of the 19th century, the suspension bridge was said to reflect "the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi," as per its description on the district collectorate website.
Sir Waghji Thakor, who ruled Morbi till 1922, was inspired by the Colonial influence and decided to construct the bridge, an "artistic and technological marvel" of that period, to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty).
The bridge was 1.25 metres wide and spanned 233 metres, and was meant to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days in Europe, as per the collectorate website.-PTI
Eyewitnesses describe bridge snapping, plunging into the river
Rescue operation under way after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on October 30, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI
Eyewitnesses said there were several women and children on the British era “hanging bridge” when it snapped, plunging them into the water below.
Some people were seen jumping on the bridge and pulling its big wires, an eyewitness said. The bridge may have collapsed due to the “huge crowd” on it, he added.
People fell over each other when the bridge collapsed, he said.
“I had come to the river bank along with friends after my office hours when we heard the sound of the bridge snapping. We rushed there and jumped into the water to save people,” an eyewitness said.
“We rescued some children and women,” he said.
A man who was injured in the incident, said the collapse was sudden and may have been due to too many people on the bridge.
Due to the Diwali vacation and being a Sunday, there was a rush of tourists on the bridge, a major tourist attraction-PTI
Death toll rises to 90
The death toll has risen to 90 in the Morbi tragedy. Meanwhile more than a 100 people have been admitted and are under treatment.- Mahesh Langa
NDRF platoons from Rajkot, Jamnagar, Diu & Surendranagar leave for Morbi
For rescue and relief operation three platoons of NDRF with 50 personnel of Indian Navy, 30 personnel of IAF along with two columns of Army personnel and seven teams of fire Brigade have left for Morbi with advanced equipment from Rajkot, Jamnagar, Diu & Surendranagar: Gujarat CMO-Mahesh Langa
Probe committee constituted
Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee headed by IAS Raj Kumar Beniwal to probe the cable bridge collapse incident in Morbi
President, PM Modi express grief over deaths in Gujarat bridge collapse
Rescue operation unde rway after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on October 30, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI
Several top leaders including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief after a bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi city on Sunday claiming at least 60 lives.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar prayed for the safe rescue of all.
“Distressed to hear about the tragic incident in Morbi, Gujarat. I pray for the safe rescue of all and the speedy recovery of those injured. My thoughts are with the affected families,” the Vice President Secretariat said in a tweet quoting Dhankhar.
Expressing sadness, Mr. Modi, in a tweet said he has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and officials. “Relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided,” the prime minister said.
President Murmu, in a tweet, said, “The tragedy in Morbi, Gujarat has left me worried. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. Relief and rescue efforts will bring succour to the victims.” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party is making an all-out effort to dislodge BJP from power in the poll-bound State, tweeted, “Very sad news coming from Gujarat. Many people are reported to have fallen into the river after a bridge collapsed in Morbi. I pray to god for everybody’s life and well-being.” -PTI
Congress asks party workers to extend help
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the State to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also said the news of the bridge collapse accident was very saddening, and appealed to all Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.
At least 60 people were killed after a nearly century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed this evening, officials said.
“Deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck us with the collapse of the suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat,” Kharge said in a tweet.
“I appeal to the @INCGujarat workers to extend every possible assistance in rescue work & helping the wounded. My condolences & prayers are with the bereaved families,” he said.-PTI
Dozens feared dead after suspension bridge collapses in Gujarat’s Morbi
Rescue operation under way after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on October 30, 2022 | Photo Credit: PTI
At least 90 people have died, while more than a 100 other have been admitted and are under treatment a colonial era cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi town on Sunday evening.
The State government has officially not given any casualty figure but the Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia for the dead and the injured. However, the State government has constituted a five-member committee headed by IAS officer Raj Kumar Beniwal to investigate into the incident.
Authorities have launched a rescue operation amidst chaos at the site after the colonial era bridge was reopened after repair and renovation on October 26.
The bridge was reopened without fitness certificate. A private trust had repaired and renovated the bridge and opened it without submitting the fitness certificate, Morbi Municipality officials said.-
(With inputs from our Correspondent Mahesh Langa and agencies)
