News Analysis India

Tag: Gujarat Bridge Collapse

  • Morbi bridge collapse: Gujarat court denies interim bail to Oreva Group MD

    By PTI

    MORBI: A court on Tuesday rejected jailed Oreva Group managing director Jaysukh Patel’s plea for interim bail, which he had sought to complete the formalities to pay compensation to the victims of last year’s collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi town, in which 135 people were killed.

    The court of principal district and sessions judge P C Joshi here dismissed Patel’s interim bail plea, which was opposed by both the state government and family members of the victims.

    The Ahmedabad-headquartered Oreva Group was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ill-fated British-era bridge on the Machchhu river, which collapsed on October 30 last year, killing 135 persons and injuring 56 others.

    Patel, one of the 10 accused arrested in the case, had filed a plea seeking temporary release from jail for 15 to 20 days to complete the formalities required to pay compensation to the families of the deceased and those injured in the crash as per the Gujarat High Court’s February 22 order.

    The high court had directed the company to pay Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation to the kin of each deceased and Rs 2 lakh to each injured within four weeks.

    During arguments in the sessions court last week, the state government had opposed Patel’s plea and said the company itself came forward with the offer to pay compensation to the victims, and it should be assumed it was ready with the financial arrangement required for the payment.

    The government also submitted that the high court’s direction on compensation was for the Oreva Group and not its promoters, and the company has continued to operate even when Patel was jailed.

    The lawyer for the families of the victims stated that if released on bail, the businessman may try to influence witnesses of the case.

    The Oreva Group had made an offer before the high court to pay an ‘interim’ compensation totalling Rs 5 crore to the kin of those who lost their lives and those injured in the collapse.

    The 10 accused arrested in the case are currently lodged in Morbi sub- jail under judicial custody.

    Patel, who was shown as an accused in a chargesheet filed by the police, had been absconding for three months and surrendered before a court on January 31.

    MORBI: A court on Tuesday rejected jailed Oreva Group managing director Jaysukh Patel’s plea for interim bail, which he had sought to complete the formalities to pay compensation to the victims of last year’s collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi town, in which 135 people were killed.

    The court of principal district and sessions judge P C Joshi here dismissed Patel’s interim bail plea, which was opposed by both the state government and family members of the victims.

    The Ahmedabad-headquartered Oreva Group was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ill-fated British-era bridge on the Machchhu river, which collapsed on October 30 last year, killing 135 persons and injuring 56 others.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Patel, one of the 10 accused arrested in the case, had filed a plea seeking temporary release from jail for 15 to 20 days to complete the formalities required to pay compensation to the families of the deceased and those injured in the crash as per the Gujarat High Court’s February 22 order.

    The high court had directed the company to pay Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation to the kin of each deceased and Rs 2 lakh to each injured within four weeks.

    During arguments in the sessions court last week, the state government had opposed Patel’s plea and said the company itself came forward with the offer to pay compensation to the victims, and it should be assumed it was ready with the financial arrangement required for the payment.

    The government also submitted that the high court’s direction on compensation was for the Oreva Group and not its promoters, and the company has continued to operate even when Patel was jailed.

    The lawyer for the families of the victims stated that if released on bail, the businessman may try to influence witnesses of the case.

    The Oreva Group had made an offer before the high court to pay an ‘interim’ compensation totalling Rs 5 crore to the kin of those who lost their lives and those injured in the collapse.

    The 10 accused arrested in the case are currently lodged in Morbi sub- jail under judicial custody.

    Patel, who was shown as an accused in a chargesheet filed by the police, had been absconding for three months and surrendered before a court on January 31.

  • Morbi bridge collapse: HC orders Oreva Group to pay Rs 10 lakh to victims’ kin

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday directed Clock manufacturing firm Oreva Group, the company which maintained the Morbi suspension bridge that collapsed killing 135 people, to pay Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation to the kin of each deceased and Rs 2 lakh to each injured within four weeks.

    A division bench of Chief Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep Bhatt asked the company to pay the interim compensation.

    The court ordered that every injured person should be paid interim compensation of Rs two lakh.

    The suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi town collapsed on October 30 last year, killing 135 persons and injuring 56 others.

    On Tuesday, Oreva Group had made an offer before the high court to pay an ‘interim’ compensation totalling Rs 5 crore to the kin of those who lost their lives and people left injured when a British-era suspension bridge collapsed in October last year.

    The court had, however, said the compensation offered by the company was not “just”.

    Oreva Group, led by its MD Jaysukh Patel, was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the bridge with a special investigation team (SIT) formed by the state government citing several lapses on the part of the firm.

    Oreva Group, led by its MD Jaysukh Patel, was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the bridge with a special investigation team (SIT) formed by the state government citing several lapses on the part of the firm.

    AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday directed Clock manufacturing firm Oreva Group, the company which maintained the Morbi suspension bridge that collapsed killing 135 people, to pay Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation to the kin of each deceased and Rs 2 lakh to each injured within four weeks.

    A division bench of Chief Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep Bhatt asked the company to pay the interim compensation.

    The court ordered that every injured person should be paid interim compensation of Rs two lakh.

    The suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi town collapsed on October 30 last year, killing 135 persons and injuring 56 others.

    On Tuesday, Oreva Group had made an offer before the high court to pay an ‘interim’ compensation totalling Rs 5 crore to the kin of those who lost their lives and people left injured when a British-era suspension bridge collapsed in October last year.

    The court had, however, said the compensation offered by the company was not “just”.

    Oreva Group, led by its MD Jaysukh Patel, was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the bridge with a special investigation team (SIT) formed by the state government citing several lapses on the part of the firm.

    Oreva Group, led by its MD Jaysukh Patel, was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the bridge with a special investigation team (SIT) formed by the state government citing several lapses on the part of the firm.

  • Don’t want to politicise Gujarat bridge tragedy: Rahul Gandhi

    By IANS

    HYDERABAD: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday declined to blame anybody for the bridge collapse tragedy in Gujarat, saying he doesn’t want to politicise it.

    “I don’t want to politicise this incident. People have died and it is disrespectful to them to politicise it,” he said in reply to a question at a press conference in Rangareddy district near Hyderabad during Bharat Jodo Yatra.

    The Congress MP was asked who he would blame for the bridge collapse at Morbi which claimed more than 130 lives.

    Replying to queries about Gujarat elections, he exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious. He also claimed that there is strong anti-incumbency in Gujarat.

    “Congress is fighting effectively. It will win. There is strong anti-incumbency,” he said.

    He did not agree that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has any presence on the ground.

    “AAP is only in air. It’s not there on ground,” he said adding that a false impression is being created about AAP’s strength.

    The Congress leader said Party president Mallikarjun Kharge will decide his role in the elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. “Kharge Ji will decide how I am going to be utilised,” he said.

    On Gujarat not being covered by his Yatra, he said the route was decided from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and it’s not possible to cover every state. “We are covering as many states possibly we can.”

    Gandhi alleged that a lot of damage has been done to the institutional framework of the country under the BJP rule. “There has been systematic attack on different institutions. You know how the press is controlled, pressurised, and threatened. It’s not just media. Judiciary, bureaucracy and all others are under attack. This is extremely damaging to the country,” he said.

    “When Congress comes back to power, we are going to make sure that these institutions are freed from the grasp of RSS and certain independence is maintained in these institutions. That is our record and that is what we will do very aggressively,” he added.

    Replying to another query, he said those who damaged the institutions would have to pay a price.

    The Congress leader also alleged that there is a massive concentration of power and capital in a few hands. He said small and medium business and job creation in the country was destroyed.

    He said if voted to power, Congress would ensure that the business environment is fair and money is not concentrated the way it is concentrated now.

    “If fitness is the goal, the gym is much more effective medium than walking across the country,” he quipped when asked about criticism from some parties that Bharat Jodo Yatra is merely helping him remain fit.

    He claimed that the idea of the Yatra is to fight the hatred the anger BJP is spreading across the country.

    “We are walking 3,500 km across the country and we are inviting people who believe in the idea of Bharat Jodo and they are joining in lakhs. This is a very powerful way of demonstrating the feeling that India has inside. India does not believe in this hatred and violence that BJP is spreading.”

    He claimed that many non-Congress people and workers of other parties were coming to the Yatra.

    Gandhi said that he believes that the country is witnessing a fight between two ideologies, one seeking to divide the nation and spread violence and the other to bring the nation together. “Congress feels that the opposition should work together harmoniously to defeat of ideology of BJP and RSS,” he said when asked about opposition unity.

    He revealed that he was 25-26 years old and was not even in politics when he thought of undertaking a nationwide yatra. He also stated that the idea came up during general discussion several years ago.

    He claimed that the Yatra is a political way to fight BJP’s ideology and this would benefit Congress.”For me, this is a personal journey. I am getting a lot to learn and understand about India.”

    “Obviously it’s political action, not a sports yatra. of course it’s a political action against the way BJP and RSS is dividing and damaging country spreading hatred and violence,” he said in reply to another question.

    “The aim of the action is to spread the message that hatred and violence are weakening the country. They are anti-national activities. Indian culture is harmonious, peaceful and affectionate. It’s 100 per cent political message.”

    Asked if the yatra will translate into votes, Gandhi said that such questions are designed to distract from the core idea of the yatra and to divert the attention of people.

    He believes that the yatra is not magic but the first step to connecting with people. He said the Congress’s connection with people had not broken but weakened.

    HYDERABAD: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday declined to blame anybody for the bridge collapse tragedy in Gujarat, saying he doesn’t want to politicise it.

    “I don’t want to politicise this incident. People have died and it is disrespectful to them to politicise it,” he said in reply to a question at a press conference in Rangareddy district near Hyderabad during Bharat Jodo Yatra.

    The Congress MP was asked who he would blame for the bridge collapse at Morbi which claimed more than 130 lives.

    Replying to queries about Gujarat elections, he exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious. He also claimed that there is strong anti-incumbency in Gujarat.

    “Congress is fighting effectively. It will win. There is strong anti-incumbency,” he said.

    He did not agree that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has any presence on the ground.

    “AAP is only in air. It’s not there on ground,” he said adding that a false impression is being created about AAP’s strength.

    The Congress leader said Party president Mallikarjun Kharge will decide his role in the elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. “Kharge Ji will decide how I am going to be utilised,” he said.

    On Gujarat not being covered by his Yatra, he said the route was decided from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and it’s not possible to cover every state. “We are covering as many states possibly we can.”

    Gandhi alleged that a lot of damage has been done to the institutional framework of the country under the BJP rule. “There has been systematic attack on different institutions. You know how the press is controlled, pressurised, and threatened. It’s not just media. Judiciary, bureaucracy and all others are under attack. This is extremely damaging to the country,” he said.

    “When Congress comes back to power, we are going to make sure that these institutions are freed from the grasp of RSS and certain independence is maintained in these institutions. That is our record and that is what we will do very aggressively,” he added.

    Replying to another query, he said those who damaged the institutions would have to pay a price.

    The Congress leader also alleged that there is a massive concentration of power and capital in a few hands. He said small and medium business and job creation in the country was destroyed.

    He said if voted to power, Congress would ensure that the business environment is fair and money is not concentrated the way it is concentrated now.

    “If fitness is the goal, the gym is much more effective medium than walking across the country,” he quipped when asked about criticism from some parties that Bharat Jodo Yatra is merely helping him remain fit.

    He claimed that the idea of the Yatra is to fight the hatred the anger BJP is spreading across the country.

    “We are walking 3,500 km across the country and we are inviting people who believe in the idea of Bharat Jodo and they are joining in lakhs. This is a very powerful way of demonstrating the feeling that India has inside. India does not believe in this hatred and violence that BJP is spreading.”

    He claimed that many non-Congress people and workers of other parties were coming to the Yatra.

    Gandhi said that he believes that the country is witnessing a fight between two ideologies, one seeking to divide the nation and spread violence and the other to bring the nation together. “Congress feels that the opposition should work together harmoniously to defeat of ideology of BJP and RSS,” he said when asked about opposition unity.

    He revealed that he was 25-26 years old and was not even in politics when he thought of undertaking a nationwide yatra. He also stated that the idea came up during general discussion several years ago.

    He claimed that the Yatra is a political way to fight BJP’s ideology and this would benefit Congress.”For me, this is a personal journey. I am getting a lot to learn and understand about India.”

    “Obviously it’s political action, not a sports yatra. of course it’s a political action against the way BJP and RSS is dividing and damaging country spreading hatred and violence,” he said in reply to another question.

    “The aim of the action is to spread the message that hatred and violence are weakening the country. They are anti-national activities. Indian culture is harmonious, peaceful and affectionate. It’s 100 per cent political message.”

    Asked if the yatra will translate into votes, Gandhi said that such questions are designed to distract from the core idea of the yatra and to divert the attention of people.

    He believes that the yatra is not magic but the first step to connecting with people. He said the Congress’s connection with people had not broken but weakened.

  • Ill-fated bridge which collapsed into Machchhu river was built by the Maharaja of Morbi

    By Express News Service

    At least 141 people were declared dead after a cable bridge collapsed into the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi on Sunday. The over-a-century-old suspension bridge was crammed with people when it collapsed around 6.30 pm.

    The more than a century-old suspension bridge, located around 300 km from the state capital Gandhinagar, had reopened five days ago after extensive repairs and renovation.

    The swinging bridge or the ‘jhulto pul’ bridge was a European-style structure built by the Maharaja of Morbi Waghji Thakor, who was awarded “Night commander of the state of India” by Queen Victoria 125 years ago. It was 765 ft long, 4.6 ft wide and 60 ft above the ground.

    Waghji Thakor ruled Morbi till 1922. He decided to construct the bridge, an artistic and technological marvel of that period, to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty).

    (With online desk inputs)

    At least 141 people were declared dead after a cable bridge collapsed into the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi on Sunday. The over-a-century-old suspension bridge was crammed with people when it collapsed around 6.30 pm.

    The more than a century-old suspension bridge, located around 300 km from the state capital Gandhinagar, had reopened five days ago after extensive repairs and renovation.

    The swinging bridge or the ‘jhulto pul’ bridge was a European-style structure built by the Maharaja of Morbi Waghji Thakor, who was awarded “Night commander of the state of India” by Queen Victoria 125 years ago. It was 765 ft long, 4.6 ft wide and 60 ft above the ground.

    Waghji Thakor ruled Morbi till 1922. He decided to construct the bridge, an artistic and technological marvel of that period, to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty).

    (With online desk inputs)

  • Over 60 die as suspension bridge collapses over Gujarat’s Machchhu river, several missing

    By Online Desk

    MORBI: In a man-made disaster, a nearly century-old suspension bridge on Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed around 6.20 pm on Sunday due to which several people standing on it fell into the river. The bridge was renovated and reopened for the public recently, officials said.

    Over 60 people have died, as per reports emerging out of Gujarat. Nearly 100 are reportedly missing. There could be more casualties. Over 70 have been rescued so far.

    The bridge, which was reopened just a few days back on October 26 on the occasion of Gujarati New Year for the public after renovation, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it, they said.

    (Videograb | PTI)

    “Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries, too. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area todayPM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    More than 500 people, including children, had come to see the hanging bridge when the accident occurred, Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, as it was the weekend.

    The people had congregated on the bridge to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja, NDTV reports.

    “There were at least 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed. Around 40 people were rescued and 60 were still missing. Some five to ten were hanging on the bridge and are being rescued,” said Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia.

    Rescue work is hampered by the fact that it is nighttime, said officials.

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi as news about the accident came in.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has learned about the incident and has instructed the state machinery to rush to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

    Rs 2 lakh has been announced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of each person who lost his or her life in the mishap. Rs 50,000 will be given to each injured person.

    The state government will be providing compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the state to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.

    Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over the tragedy even as he appealed to Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.

    Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are currently on the spot. Several boats were pressed into service for the rescue operation. Fire and rescue teams from surrounding districts, too, have been rushed to Morbi to speed up rescue work.

    (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

    MORBI: In a man-made disaster, a nearly century-old suspension bridge on Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed around 6.20 pm on Sunday due to which several people standing on it fell into the river. The bridge was renovated and reopened for the public recently, officials said.

    Over 60 people have died, as per reports emerging out of Gujarat. Nearly 100 are reportedly missing. There could be more casualties. Over 70 have been rescued so far.

    The bridge, which was reopened just a few days back on October 26 on the occasion of Gujarati New Year for the public after renovation, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it, they said.

    (Videograb | PTI)

    “Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries, too. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area today
    PM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    More than 500 people, including children, had come to see the hanging bridge when the accident occurred, Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, as it was the weekend.

    The people had congregated on the bridge to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja, NDTV reports.

    “There were at least 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed. Around 40 people were rescued and 60 were still missing. Some five to ten were hanging on the bridge and are being rescued,” said Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia.

    Rescue work is hampered by the fact that it is nighttime, said officials.

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi as news about the accident came in.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has learned about the incident and has instructed the state machinery to rush to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

    Rs 2 lakh has been announced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of each person who lost his or her life in the mishap. Rs 50,000 will be given to each injured person.

    The state government will be providing compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the state to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.

    Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over the tragedy even as he appealed to Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.

    Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are currently on the spot. Several boats were pressed into service for the rescue operation. Fire and rescue teams from surrounding districts, too, have been rushed to Morbi to speed up rescue work.

    (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

  • Over 80 die as suspension bridge collapses over Gujarat’s Machchhu river, several missing

    By Online Desk

    MORBI: Over 80 people died when a nearly century-old suspension bridge on Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed around 6.20 pm on Sunday. A large number of people were standing on the bridge, which was renovated and reopened four days ago, officials said.

    Nearly 70 persons were injured while 70 others were rescued.

    The bridge, which was reopened on October 26 on the occasion of Gujarati New Year for the public, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it. A private firm had carried out the repair work of the bridge. No fitness certificate was obtained before the bridge was reopened, sources said.

    “Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries, too. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area todayPM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    More than 500 people, including children, had come to see the hanging bridge when the accident occurred, Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, as it was the weekend.

    The people had congregated on the bridge to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja, NDTV reports.

    “There were at least 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed. Around 40 people were rescued and 60 were still missing. Some five to ten were hanging on the bridge and are being rescued,” said Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia.

    A five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the bridge collapse tragedy. The team comprises an IAS officer of municipal administration, a chief engineer to check quality control, a structural engineer, the secretary of road and building and IG CID crime.

    Rescue work is hampered by the fact that it is nighttime, said officials.

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi as news about the accident came in.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has learned about the incident and has instructed the state machinery to rush to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

    Rs 2 lakh has been announced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of each person who lost his or her life in the mishap. Rs 50,000 will be given to each injured person.

    The state government will be providing compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the state to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.

    Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over the tragedy even as he appealed to Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.

    Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are currently on the spot carrying out rescue operations. Several boats were pressed into service for the rescue works. Fire and rescue teams from surrounding districts, too, have been rushed to Morbi to speed up rescue work.

    Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and home minister Harsh Sanghvi visited the Morbi to take stock of the situation.

    (With inputs from ENS, PTI and ANI)

    MORBI: Over 80 people died when a nearly century-old suspension bridge on Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed around 6.20 pm on Sunday. A large number of people were standing on the bridge, which was renovated and reopened four days ago, officials said.

    Nearly 70 persons were injured while 70 others were rescued.

    The bridge, which was reopened on October 26 on the occasion of Gujarati New Year for the public, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it. A private firm had carried out the repair work of the bridge. No fitness certificate was obtained before the bridge was reopened, sources said.

    “Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries, too. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area today
    PM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    More than 500 people, including children, had come to see the hanging bridge when the accident occurred, Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, as it was the weekend.

    The people had congregated on the bridge to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja, NDTV reports.

    “There were at least 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed. Around 40 people were rescued and 60 were still missing. Some five to ten were hanging on the bridge and are being rescued,” said Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia.

    A five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the bridge collapse tragedy. The team comprises an IAS officer of municipal administration, a chief engineer to check quality control, a structural engineer, the secretary of road and building and IG CID crime.

    Rescue work is hampered by the fact that it is nighttime, said officials.

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi as news about the accident came in.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has learned about the incident and has instructed the state machinery to rush to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

    Rs 2 lakh has been announced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of each person who lost his or her life in the mishap. Rs 50,000 will be given to each injured person.

    The state government will be providing compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the state to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.

    Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over the tragedy even as he appealed to Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.

    Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are currently on the spot carrying out rescue operations. Several boats were pressed into service for the rescue works. Fire and rescue teams from surrounding districts, too, have been rushed to Morbi to speed up rescue work.

    Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and home minister Harsh Sanghvi visited the Morbi to take stock of the situation.

    (With inputs from ENS, PTI and ANI)

  • At least 90 die as suspension bridge collapses over Gujarat’s Machchhu river, several missing

    By Online Desk

    MORBI: At least 90 people died when a nearly century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed around 6.20 pm on Sunday. A large number of people were standing on the bridge, which was renovated and reopened four days ago, officials said.

    A large holiday crowd had congregated on the bridge at the time when it gave way, sources said.

    Chief Officer of Morbi Municipality Sandeepsinh Jhala claimed, “The bridge over the Machchhu River was entrusted with the Ajanta Oreva Group for operation and maintenance for 15 years. In March this year, the bridge was closed to the public for renovation. It reopened on October 26 after renovation on the Gujarati New Year’s day. But the local municipality had not yet issued any fitness certificate.”

    Rescue operation underway after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    “After renovation works, the Oreva group did not inform us about the details of the project including the materials used,” he claimed.

    “Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries, too. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area todayPM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    More than 500 people, including children, had come to see the hanging bridge when the accident occurred, Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, as it was the weekend.

    The people had congregated on the bridge to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja, NDTV reports.

    According to sources, Rs 17 was collected from the people as an entry charge. 

    An injured being treated at a hospital, after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district | PTI

    A five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the bridge collapse tragedy. The team comprises an IAS officer of municipal administration, a chief engineer to check quality control, a structural engineer, the secretary of road and building and IG CID crime.

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi as news about the accident came in.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has learned about the incident and has instructed the state machinery to rush to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

    Rs 2 lakh has been announced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of each person who lost his or her life in the mishap. Rs 50,000 will be given to each injured person.

    The state government will be providing compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the state to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.

    Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over the tragedy even as he appealed to Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.

    Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are currently on the spot carrying out rescue operations. Several boats were pressed into service for the rescue works. Fire and rescue teams from surrounding districts, too, have been rushed to Morbi to speed up rescue work.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the site to take stock of the situation after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and home minister Harsh Sanghvi visited Morbi to take stock of the situation.

    (With inputs from ENS, PTI and ANI)

    MORBI: At least 90 people died when a nearly century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed around 6.20 pm on Sunday. A large number of people were standing on the bridge, which was renovated and reopened four days ago, officials said.

    A large holiday crowd had congregated on the bridge at the time when it gave way, sources said.

    Chief Officer of Morbi Municipality Sandeepsinh Jhala claimed, “The bridge over the Machchhu River was entrusted with the Ajanta Oreva Group for operation and maintenance for 15 years. In March this year, the bridge was closed to the public for renovation. It reopened on October 26 after renovation on the Gujarati New Year’s day. But the local municipality had not yet issued any fitness certificate.”

    Rescue operation underway after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    “After renovation works, the Oreva group did not inform us about the details of the project including the materials used,” he claimed.

    “Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries, too. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area today
    PM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    More than 500 people, including children, had come to see the hanging bridge when the accident occurred, Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kavar said, as it was the weekend.

    The people had congregated on the bridge to perform some rituals in connection with the Chhath puja, NDTV reports.

    According to sources, Rs 17 was collected from the people as an entry charge. 

    An injured being treated at a hospital, after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district | PTI

    A five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the bridge collapse tragedy. The team comprises an IAS officer of municipal administration, a chief engineer to check quality control, a structural engineer, the secretary of road and building and IG CID crime.

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi left for Morbi as news about the accident came in.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has learned about the incident and has instructed the state machinery to rush to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

    Rs 2 lakh has been announced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of each person who lost his or her life in the mishap. Rs 50,000 will be given to each injured person.

    The state government will be providing compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that claimed at least 60 lives and appealed to party workers in the state to extend every possible assistance in rescue work.

    Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over the tragedy even as he appealed to Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured.

    Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are currently on the spot carrying out rescue operations. Several boats were pressed into service for the rescue works. Fire and rescue teams from surrounding districts, too, have been rushed to Morbi to speed up rescue work.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the site to take stock of the situation after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and home minister Harsh Sanghvi visited Morbi to take stock of the situation.

    (With inputs from ENS, PTI and ANI)

  • Nearly 80 die as suspension bridge collapses over Gujarat’s Machchhu river, several missing

    Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD: Nearly 80 people were declared dead after a century-old cable bridge collapsed on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi on Sunday. The bridge was opened for the public just five days ago after extensive renovation, officials said.

    “Following the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. Some of them died; the injured have been shifted to hospital. Rescue operations are still underway,” Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja said.

    Rescue operation underway after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    Eyewitness Subhas said there were several women and children on the suspension bridge when its cables snapped. “We came here for a walk. Suddenly there was a loud noise. We saw people drowning in the river, most of them were women and children. I’ve dragged out eight persons from the river so far,” he said. Some people were seen jumping on the bridge and pulling its big wires, another eyewitness said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area todayPM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    Road and Building Department Minister Jagdish Panchal blamed the accident prima facie on overcrowding. “The bridge seems to have collapsed as too many people were on it at the same time, far exceeding its capacity,” he said.

    a person being rescued from the river | PTIWhile Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia claimed there were at least 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed, state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi put the figure at 150.

    “Around 40 were rescued and 60 were still missing. Some 5-10 were hanging on the bridge and were also rescued,” Bhatia said.

    The bridge collapsed around 6.30 pm following which officials and ambulances were rushed to the spot.

    The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was later deployed. NDRF director general Atul Karwal said three teams have already been dispatched to assist in rescue operations.

    “Three NDRF teams have already been dispatched — two from Gandhinagar and one from Baroda — to assist in the rescue operation,” Karwal said.

    Officials said a Gujarat State Disaster Response Force team stationed close to Morbi was the first to reach the accident site. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured people.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Gujarat ahead of Assembly elections, spoke to the chief minister and other officials regarding the mishap. He sought to expedite rescue operations. The state government formed a five-member panel to probe the tragedy.

    An injured being treated at a hospital, after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district | PTI

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Its members are Rajkumar Beniwal, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner; K M Patel, chief engineer (quality control) in the road and building department in Gandhinagar; Dr Gopal Tank, head of the department of structural engineering at LD Engineering College; Sandip Vasava, secretary, road and housing ministry; and Subhash Trivedi, CID (crime) Inspector General.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022
    A private operator had carried out extensive repairs for nearly six months before the suspension bridge was reopened on October 26. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to their cadre in Gujarat to extend all possible assistance in rescue work at Morbi.

    Built by Morbi maharajaThe bridge is a European-style structure built by the Maharaja of Morbi Waghji Thakor, who was awarded “Night commander of the state of India” by Queen Victoria 125 years ago. It is 765 ft long, 4.6 ft wide and 60 ft above the ground.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the site to take stock of the situation after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    Artistic, tech marvelWaghji Thakor ruled Morbi till 1922. He decided to construct the bridge, an artistic and technological marvel of that period, to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty)

    AHMEDABAD: Nearly 80 people were declared dead after a century-old cable bridge collapsed on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi on Sunday. The bridge was opened for the public just five days ago after extensive renovation, officials said.

    “Following the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. Some of them died; the injured have been shifted to hospital. Rescue operations are still underway,” Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja said.

    Rescue operation underway after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    Eyewitness Subhas said there were several women and children on the suspension bridge when its cables snapped. “We came here for a walk. Suddenly there was a loud noise. We saw people drowning in the river, most of them were women and children. I’ve dragged out eight persons from the river so far,” he said. Some people were seen jumping on the bridge and pulling its big wires, another eyewitness said.

    #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi area today
    PM Modi has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, while Gujarat CM Patel has given instructions to arrange immediate treatment of injured pic.twitter.com/VO8cvJk9TI
    — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022
    Road and Building Department Minister Jagdish Panchal blamed the accident prima facie on overcrowding. “The bridge seems to have collapsed as too many people were on it at the same time, far exceeding its capacity,” he said.

    a person being rescued from the river | PTIWhile Gujarat DGP Ashish Bhatia claimed there were at least 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed, state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi put the figure at 150.

    “Around 40 were rescued and 60 were still missing. Some 5-10 were hanging on the bridge and were also rescued,” Bhatia said.

    The bridge collapsed around 6.30 pm following which officials and ambulances were rushed to the spot.

    The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was later deployed. NDRF director general Atul Karwal said three teams have already been dispatched to assist in rescue operations.

    “Three NDRF teams have already been dispatched — two from Gandhinagar and one from Baroda — to assist in the rescue operation,” Karwal said.

    Officials said a Gujarat State Disaster Response Force team stationed close to Morbi was the first to reach the accident site. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured people.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Gujarat ahead of Assembly elections, spoke to the chief minister and other officials regarding the mishap. He sought to expedite rescue operations. The state government formed a five-member panel to probe the tragedy.

    An injured being treated at a hospital, after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district | PTI

    ALSO READ | 20-year-old bridge collapses, 40 villages lose link to Kagaznagar town

    Its members are Rajkumar Beniwal, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner; K M Patel, chief engineer (quality control) in the road and building department in Gandhinagar; Dr Gopal Tank, head of the department of structural engineering at LD Engineering College; Sandip Vasava, secretary, road and housing ministry; and Subhash Trivedi, CID (crime) Inspector General.

    I am deeply anguished by the tragic news coming from Morbi, Gujarat. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. May the injured recover soon.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 30, 2022
    A private operator had carried out extensive repairs for nearly six months before the suspension bridge was reopened on October 26. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to their cadre in Gujarat to extend all possible assistance in rescue work at Morbi.

    Built by Morbi maharaja
    The bridge is a European-style structure built by the Maharaja of Morbi Waghji Thakor, who was awarded “Night commander of the state of India” by Queen Victoria 125 years ago. It is 765 ft long, 4.6 ft wide and 60 ft above the ground.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the site to take stock of the situation after an old suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed, in Morbi district on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | PTI

    Artistic, tech marvel
    Waghji Thakor ruled Morbi till 1922. He decided to construct the bridge, an artistic and technological marvel of that period, to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty)