A suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi, 200 km away from Ahmedabad, has left at least 100 people dead. According to law enforcement officials, the death toll can rise higher since a lot of people are still feared to be trapped under the collapsed structure.

The Morbi cable bridge over the Machchhu river was reopened on October 26, 2022 (which is also the Gujarati new year’s day), after renovation works. It is around 100 years old.

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“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,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

According to eyewitnesses, there were several women and children on the hanging bridge when it snapped.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter that he has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and that the latter has asked for “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.”

According to ANI, CM Patel has expressed his grief about the accident and said that relief as well as rescue operations are currently ongoing. 

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, said on Twitter that he is praying for the victims of the collapse:

PM Modi has announced compensation for the victims of the tragedy. He has pledged Rs. 2 lakhs for each victim’s family. CM Patel has also announced an ex gratia compensation for all victims’ families of Rs. 4 lakhs each.

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“The government takes responsibility for this tragedy. The PM has spoken to the Chief Minister. All top officials are on ground. The renovation happened last week. We are also shocked. We are looking into the matter”, said the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Minister of State, Brijesh Merja, in an interview with NDTV.