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.

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.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 30, 2022

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 @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM @Bhupendrapbjp and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 30, 2022

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.

મોરબીમાં ઝૂલતો પુલ તૂટવાની દુર્ઘટનાથી અત્યંત વ્યથિત છું. તંત્ર દ્વારા રાહત અને બચાવની કામગીરી ચાલુ છે. ઇજાગ્રસ્તોને સત્વરે સારવારની વ્યવસ્થા માટે તંત્રને સૂચના આપી છે. આ સંદર્ભે જિલ્લાતંત્ર સાથે સતત સંપર્કમાં છું.

— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 30, 2022

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.

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