At least 60 dead, several injured as bridge collapses in Gujarat’s Morbi; rescue ops underway

At least 60 people were killed and several were injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi district on Sunday evening, a local civil hospital official said. As per initial reports, the cable bridge was restarted five days ago after renovation.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that over 70 people have been rescued and taken to hospital. He also informed that most of the people who are rescued are out of danger.

Gujarat Minister Brijesh Merja has informed that the death toll in Morbi cable bridge collapse has now reached 60. 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,” Merja, who is present at the incident spot, said while speaking to reporters.

Several people fell in the river after the bridge collapsed. Rescue operations are underway.

The administration, with the help of locals, is rescuing people who fell in the river after the bridge collapse.

The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Health Minister Rishikesh Patel will leave shortly for Morbi. Two teams of the National Disaster Management Force (NDRF) have also left from Morbi.

Soon after the incident came to light, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Gujarat ahead of Assembly elections, spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials regarding the mishap. The prime minister has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected.