77 killed as Gujarat bridge collapses

Morbi: At least 77 people died after a century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi city collapsed on Sunday evening, officials said.

The bridge, which reopened four days ago after extensive repairs and renovation, was crammed with people when it collapsed around 6.30 pm, officials said. No green signal was given for the reopening of the renovated bridge, according to reports.

There was a rush of people on the bridge, which was reopened for the public just four days back following the renovation work, when it snapped around 6.30 pm, they said.

"At least 77 persons have died in the tragedy," Gujarat minister Brijesh Merja said. Eyewitnesses said there were several women and children on the British era "hanging bridge" when it snapped, plunging them into the water below. Some people were seen jumping on the bridge and pulling its big wires, an eyewitness said.

Army, Navy and Air Force personnel joined the rescue operations and motors installed to drain water.

The bridge may have collapsed due to the "huge crowd" on it, he added. People fell over each other when the bridge collapsed, he said. Due to the Diwali vacation and being a Sunday, there was a rush of tourists on the bridge, a major tourist attraction.

A private operator had carried out the repair work of the bridge for nearly six months before it was reopened to the public on the Gujarati New Year day on October 26. A fire department official said that boats were being used to rescue people from the river. "We are carrying out rescue work using boats. There are around 40-50 people in the river," the official said.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said he was saddened by the tragedy. "Relief and rescue operations by the administration are going on. The administration has been instructed to arrange immediate treatment for the injured. I am in constant contact with the district administration in this regard," he said. The state government has constituted SIT to probe the reasons for collapse of the bridge.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a tweet that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Gujarat, spoke to Patel and officials. Modi sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, the PMO said, adding the PM has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and all possible help be extended to those affected.