132 succumbed after hanging bridge over Macchu dam collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat
Monday, 31 October 2022 (11:03 IST)
Over 132 people, including women and children, were killed and hundreds were injured after a hanging bridge built over Machhu dam in Gujarat's Morbi district collapsed on Sunday evening, official sources said.
Hundreds have been plunged into River Macchu in Morbi town. Local footage shows people hanging off the partly-submerged suspension bridge.Dozens more people are believed to be critically injured and some are still missing.
What we know so far
"A rescue operation is underway," Gujarat state minister Brijesh Merja said. "There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals.''
At least 350 people were on the 230-meter (745-foot) bridge across the Machhu River in the town of Morbi at the time of the incident, local reports said.
The Press Trust of India news agency quoted officials as saying the structure gave way because it could not handle the weight.
Footage broadcast by local TV channel Zee News showed dozens of people clinging to cables as emergency teams tried to reach them.
The historic bridge was built in the 19th century during British rule. It reopened to the public just days ago after being closed for six months of renovation work.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in his home state of Gujarat for a three-day visit, called for rescue teams to be mobilized quickly and said compensation would be given to the families of the dead.
Modi also said he was "deeply saddened by the tragedy." (Reuters, AFP, AP)
