Cable Bridge Collapse; 60 Died, 100s Trapped In Water

At least 60 people died while several others were injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Morbi district, Gujarat late this evening. There were nearly 500 people on the bridge when it collapsed, with around 100 still trapped in the water.

According to reports, the cable bridge was reopened just five days ago after renovation. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that about 70 people were rescued and shifted to hospital. He also said that many of those who were rescued were out of danger.

Once the bridge collapsed, several people fell in the river and rescues operations are underway. The locals and the administration are rescuing those who had fallen in the river.

The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap.

Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi and health minister Rishikesh Patel would soon leave for Morbi. According to information reaching here, two teams of the National Disaster Management Force (NDRF) have also left for Morbi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Gujarat today as part of his three-day visit, ordered urgent rescue operations. He spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials. The prime minister has asked that the situation be closely monitored and that all possible help be extended to those affected.

The bridge appears to have snapped in the middle. More details are awaited.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah too spoke to Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi & other state officials. Shah also said that the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) is also reaching the spot soon.

Meanwhile, CM Patel also took to Twitter and informed that the relief and rescue operations are underway. The officials have been instructed to arrange immediate treatment for the injured.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal expressed anguish over the incident and prayed for lives and health of people injured.