At least 60 people died after a suspension cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river, in Morbi, Gujarat, in the evening on October 30.
PTI reported quoting officials that it is a nearly century-old suspension bridge. According to officials, the bridge, which was recently reopened to the public after renovation, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it.
Gujarat Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja, who is present at the incident spot, told news agency ANI, "More than 60 people have died."
"Rescue and relief operations have been accelerated by the state government. 3 platoons of NDRF, 50 personnel of Indian Navy and 30 personnel of Air Force, two columns of Army personnel and 7 teams of Fire Brigade from Rajkot, Jamnagar, Diu and 3 platoons of SDRF and two platoons of SRP are also reaching Morbi for rescue and relief operations, not only that, an isolation ward has also been set up in Rajkot Civil Hospital for treatment," tweeted Brijesh Merja.
"More than 60 bodies recovered, of which more are of children, women & elderly. Rest have been rescued; NDRF rescue op underway. We're taking this matter very seriously, it's very saddening," ANI reported quoting Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, BJP MP from Rajkot, as saying.
"Machinery present at the spot to pump out the water so that we can figure out the bodies underneath, as there's a lot of silt. I believe the bridge got overloaded and that led to the incident. Many teams engaged in rescue, CM to arrive shortly," said Kundariya.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reached the incident site cancelling all his upcoming events.
Eyewitnesses Amit Patel and Sukram told ANI, "Many people came here in view of Diwali holidays & weekend; it's a tourist-friendly place. Incident occurred probably because of the huge crowd at bridge. When it collapsed, people fell over each other."
PMO India's tweet said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Gujarat on a three-day visit to the state, spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials about the incident. The Prime Minister is also reported to have instructed that the situation should be constantly and continually watched, and individuals affected should receive all assistance.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on twitter that he has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured. Patel said Minister of State for Home Affairs has been instructed to reach the spot and guide the rescue operations.
Troops including SDRF have been mobilized for rescue operations, said Patel.
ANI quoting Gujarat Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja, who is present at the incident spot, as saying, "We are really saddened by the tragedy in Morbi. PM Modi called me to ask about the situation & Gujarat CM is taking stock too. Local leaders are also working to help the injured people."
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured.
The state Chief Minister also announced Rs 4 Lakh ex-gratia to kin of each victim, and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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