New Delhi: At least 132 people died after a British-era bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed last evening. The rescue operation is underway and over 177 people have been rescued.
The death toll in the accident is constantly increasing. Chief Minister, Home Minister, Revenue Minister and Range IG are present on the spot. It is said that when the bridge fell, there were about 500 people on it. Rescue operations are going on in full swing at the spot.
According to reports, many people are still feared trapped in the water. The bridge was opened four days ago after repairs.
Earlier, BJP MP from Rajkot Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya had said, “More than 60 bodies have been recovered after the Morbi cable bridge collapse incident. Most of the dead are children, women and the elderly. The rest have been rescued. NDRF’s rescue operation is underway. The government is taking this matter very seriously, it is very sad.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi has left for Morbi. PM Modi was in Gujarat today. He has called the Gujarat CM and asked him to take stock of the situation. SDRF teams, fire brigade, steamers are being immediately transported from Rajkot, Kutch to Morbi.
The Morbi Cable Bridge was a historic bridge built many years ago. The bridge was inaugurated on October 26 on the occasion of Gujarati New Year after repairs and renovations. According to reports, the government tender for the renovation of the bridge was given to Oreva Group, owned by Odhavji Patel.
Gujarat Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja, who was present at the spot, told media, “We are really saddened by the accident in Morbi. PM Modi enquired about the situation from me and the Gujarat CM is also taking stock. Local leaders are also helping the injured.”
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi said that the bridge collapsed in Morbi around 6.30 pm. The fire brigade, collector, SP of the district, doctors, ambulances reached the spot in just 15 minutes.