Death toll rises to 132; What led to Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat | 10 Points

NewsBharati 31-Oct-2022 10:41:25 AM

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Gandhinagar, Oct 31: In a tragic incident, more than 130 people lost their lives after a nearly century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed on Sunday evening.

State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the rescue operation is under full swing while 2 more people are reported missing. Around 177 people have been rescued with NDRF and Indian Armed Forces being deployed in the area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Bhupendra Patel have announced financial aid for those injured and ex gratia for the kin of those who passed away.

Here is what we know so far-

1. The 230-meter-long Morbi bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century as it was first inaugurated on February 20, 1879.

2. The Morbi bridge was closed for renovation and repair work for the last six months. It was reopened for the public October 26 in view of Diwali and Gujarat New Year. Over the years, it has undergone several rounds of repair and renovation work.

3. The Morbi bridge had not received a fitness report. A private trust had undertaken the repair work and opened it without submitting the fitness certificate.

4. Notably, the bridge had a capacity for 150 persons however around 600 people were on the suspension bridge when the cables supporting it snapped before people crashed into the river below.

5. Reports suggest many were performing Chhath puja rituals on the suspension bridge located 300 km from Ahmedabad.

6. A video going viral on social media shows a few people shaking the bridge on purpose as if trying to snap the cables, according to the reports. It is claimed that this act was a major trigger for the cracking of the bridge.

7. According to officials, several teams of NDRF with 50 personnel of the Indian Navy, along with Indian Air Force's 30 personnel and troops of Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations.

8. Gujarat government on Monday announced that a high-powered committee has been set up to investigate the incident of the collapse of the suspension bridge in Morbi district of Gujarat in which the death toll has risen to 132.

9. PM Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives while the injured would be given Rs 50,000.

10. Around 177 people have been rescued while 19 people are under treatment.