Tragedy in India: a suspension bridge collapses and at least 60 people died after falling into the river

At least 60 people died this Sunday after collapse of the bridge hanging west Indiawhile hundreds of people passed through the infrastructure that was reopened to the public just four days ago.

“Sixty people died. More than 80 were saved,” Minister Brijesh Merja told AFP. Other sources have provided unconfirmed information on 90 dead in the accident, which occurred in Morbi, about 200 kilometers west of Gujarat’s main city, Ahmedabad.

The bridge collapsed on Sunday afternoon, dropping an unknown number of people into the river, who were unable to leave the structure when it began to fail. Authorities said around 500 people were on the bridge, including women and children, when the cables holding the structure gave way, causing it to fall into the river.

Authorities have mobilized troops, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), for rescue operations, Gujarat Prime Minister Bhupendra Patel reported on Twitter.

“I am going to Morbi, I have canceled all my upcoming events today. Direct monitoring of the situation and the necessary coordination with the system will be achieved in person on the spot,” he added.

According to the regional interior minister, Harsh Sanghavi, who did not specify the exact number of those affected, the authorities managed to save most of the people who were there.

“We are receiving all kinds of help from the Center. The NDRF and other agencies have been instructed to arrive at the scene. Most of the people injured in the landslide have been hospitalized,” the official said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in the state when the incident occurred while participating in a government act, assured the government’s full support for the operations.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragedy of the Morbi. I have talked about it with the Prime Minister of Gujarat and other officials. The relief and rescue operations are in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to those affected,” he said. the same social network.

The Morbi Suspension Bridge is an iconic structure of the region for pedestrian use, 1.25 meters wide and over 200 meters long. The historic infrastructure, more than a century old, was reopened to the public on October 26 after repairs and renovations.

Sources: EFE and AFP

DD