New Delhi
CNN
—
The dying toll has risen to 134 after a suspension bridge collapsed in India’s western state of Gujarat on Sunday, as authorities revealed the construction had solely lately reopened following repairs.
Gujarat Residence Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated Monday some 200 individuals are estimated to have been on the bridge within the city of Morbi when it collapsed into the river beneath on Sunday night. A cable at one finish seems to have snapped, he added.
The state of Gujarat has lodged a legal criticism towards the company that was dealing with the upkeep of the 230-meter lengthy bridge, which was constructed within the nineteenth century and reopened final week after renovations, he stated.
Photographs from the scene Monday confirmed individuals gathering on the financial institution of the river Machchhu beside the mangled steel walkway, which hung at a pointy angle into the water, the place rescue staff in inflatable dinghies looked for survivors.
A five-person particular investigation committee has been established to research the incident, Sanghavi stated, amid an ongoing search and rescue operation by a whole bunch of personnel from state and nationwide catastrophe reduction groups and the Indian army.
Talking at a information convention within the early hours of Monday, Sanghavi didn’t say how many individuals are lacking, however social media video confirmed dozens within the water following the collapse of the bridge.
TV footage confirmed individuals holding the cables and stays of the bridge as emergency groups tried to achieve them, Reuters reported. Some climbed up the wrecked construction to achieve the river banks, whereas others swam to security.
Youngsters have been amongst these killed, MP Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya advised Indian broadcaster NDTV.
Talking in a while Monday, senior police official Ashok Yadav stated seven of the injured are nonetheless in hospital, whereas 56 individuals have been discharged after receiving remedy.
The households of the victims will obtain compensation from the Prime Minister’s Nationwide Aid Fund, in accordance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Talking Monday at a marketing campaign occasion forward of a state-level election in Gujarat, Modi stated his “coronary heart is crammed with love and is with the households of these struggling.”
“The state authorities has arrange a committee to research the incident. I guarantee the individuals of the nation that there might be nothing missing within the reduction and rescue efforts,” Modi stated.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated he was heading to Morbi and the state authorities would offer the equal of about $5,000 in compensation per household of the deceased and about $600 every for the injured.
“I specific my condolences to the households of the residents who misplaced their lives within the tragedy,” he tweeted.
