Gujarat: 35 Feared Dead As British-Era Bridge Collapses

At least 35 people are feared dead as a suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed on Sunday.

NEW DELHI | Updated: 30 October, 2022 9:51 pm IST
The bridge over Machchu river was considered a marvel of British engineering

At least 35 people are feared dead as a suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed on Sunday. Reports from Morbi suggested that the bridge could not take the weight of the people standing on it.

According to local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja, at least 350 people have fallen into the river after the bridge, considered a marvel of British engineering, gave in.

“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,” Merja said.

 

Prime minister Narendra Modi, who is in Gujarat on a three-day visit, directed Gujarat Chief minister Bhupendra Patel to mobilise teams on an urgent basis for rescue work.

 

PM Modi has also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each of the deceased. He also announced ₹50,000 for the injured.

CM Patel also announced a compensation of ₹4 lakhs to the families of the deceased. He also announced ₹50,000 to the people who had suffered injuries.

 

CM Patel had left for Morbi to take stock of the situation and review the rescue and relief operations.

Built by the erstwhile princely state of Morbi, the Jhulto Pul, as the bridge is locally called, was one of the major tourist attractions in Morbi, a town famous for its ceramic tiles industry.

(THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY)

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