Just a few days ago, a pedestrian bridge in India was reopened after its renovation. Hundreds of people are passing the 19th-century structure when it suddenly collapses. Authorities report more than 130 deaths and promise clarification and compensation for the bereaved.
The death toll when a suspension bridge collapsed over a river in western India has risen to more than 130. There are 132 dead, Indian media reported, citing government officials from the state of Gujarat, where the accident occurred. According to the broadcaster NDTV, 177 people were rescued.
According to authorities, suspension cables of the bridge in the city of Morbi gave way when around 500 people were on or near the bridge for religious rituals. The 233 meter long and 1.50 meter wide suspension bridge over the Machchhu River, which dates from the British colonial era, was only reopened on Wednesday after seven months of repair work. Many victims fell into the water during the collapse, the media reported. Helpers were also in boats.
An investigation is underway, Gujarat Labor Minister Brijesh Merja told NDTV. Images and videos on social media show how the structure appears to be falling apart in the middle and several people are clinging to avoid falling into the water.
There was initially no official information about the cause. Media reports said the construction might not have withstood the load of too many people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office announced on Twitter that compensation would be paid to the victims’ families.