Team News Riveting
Ahmedabad, October 30
A British-era bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed on Sunday evening, killing at least 77 people.
Officials said search is on for over 100 others, who have fallen into the Macchu river after the suspension bridge that was renovated just a week ago collapsed. According to local officials, 77 bodies have been fished out. The victim includes many children.
The Gujarat government has accepted the responsibility for the tragedy. The toll is likely to increase.
Sources said as many as 400 people were on the structure at the time of the incident. A massive rescue operation had been launched by the state and national agencies that were likely to continue through the night.
The 230-metre-long (754 feet) colonial-era crossing was built during British rule of India in the 19th Century. Locally known as a Julto Pool, the suspension bridge is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Sources said there was overcrowding on the bridge because of holidays for the Diwali festival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in his home state of Gujarat on a three-day visit, said he was “deeply saddened by the tragedy”.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of the mishap in Morbi. The Prime Minister’s office tweeted; “PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the mishap in Morbi. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
