News Analysis India

Tag: Morbi

  • 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.

  • Morbi bridge collapse: Four accused sent to police custody

    By PTI

    MORBI: Four accused persons including two managers of Oreva Group arrested in connection with the collapse of a suspension bridge here were remanded in four days’ police custody on Tuesday by a local court.

    Chief Judicial Magistrate M J Khan remanded five other arrested accused in judicial custody, said government prosecutor H S Panchal.

    Police had arrested a total of nine persons after the Sunday’s catastrophic incident which claimed 135 lives.

    They were booked under Indian Penal Code section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

    The police sought custody of the four key accused including two managers or Oreva Group and two subcontractors who had allegedly carried out repairs of the bridge recently, Panchal said.

    The remaining five, including ticket booking clerks and security guards of the bridge, were sent in judicial custody as police did not seek their remand.

    The clock and e-bike maker Oreva group had been given a contract by the Morbi Municipality to repair and operate the ill-fated bridge for 15 years.

    MORBI: Four accused persons including two managers of Oreva Group arrested in connection with the collapse of a suspension bridge here were remanded in four days’ police custody on Tuesday by a local court.

    Chief Judicial Magistrate M J Khan remanded five other arrested accused in judicial custody, said government prosecutor H S Panchal.

    Police had arrested a total of nine persons after the Sunday’s catastrophic incident which claimed 135 lives.

    They were booked under Indian Penal Code section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

    The police sought custody of the four key accused including two managers or Oreva Group and two subcontractors who had allegedly carried out repairs of the bridge recently, Panchal said.

    The remaining five, including ticket booking clerks and security guards of the bridge, were sent in judicial custody as police did not seek their remand.

    The clock and e-bike maker Oreva group had been given a contract by the Morbi Municipality to repair and operate the ill-fated bridge for 15 years.

  • Morbi bridge collapse: Families line up to bury dead 

    By AFP

    MORBI: There were so many dead that their families had to queue up to bury them.

    Hundreds of mourners milled among the rows of graves at the Muslim cemetery in Morbi on Monday, a day after more than 130 people were killed in India’s worst bridge collapse in decades.

    Relatives dug graves for their kin with the help of staff, as mourners tried to comfort each other and volunteers offered the grieving families water.

    Some hugged each other, some cried, some mourned in silence as they waited their turn to lay the bodies to rest, with a shortage of coffins slowing the process.

    The newly-renovated, nearly 150-year-old suspension bridge in the Gujarat town — a renowned tourist attraction — was packed with visitors when it collapsed on the last day of the Diwali holiday season.

    Around 50 Hindu cremations were held on Monday, and 37 Muslim funerals were being carried out at the only Islamic cemetery in the district.

    Local businessman Rafiq Gaffar was burying two of his nephews: Nisar Iqbal, 21, and 12-year-old Arman Irfan.

    They were close friends and had told their mothers they were going to the bridge. The family rushed to the site when they learned of the collapse.

    “It was mayhem,” said Gaffar, 45. “People were crying and wailing. It was a scene from doomsday.

    “There were bodies floating on the water everywhere and people trapped on the bridge who were frantically calling for help.

    WATCH|

    “We had no hope after witnessing the scenes. We were just hoping to see their bodies.” They searched for the boys for eight hours, he said, but did not find them.”

    Finally around six in the morning their bodies were fished out. “Our family is devastated and it is difficult to overcome the loss.”

    Arman was the eldest of three brothers, he added. “He was in school and was too young to die.”

    Nisar had just started working at a spare parts shop and was helping to earn money for the family.

    “He has a sister who is getting married next year but we don’t know what will happen now. It will take us ages, in fact our lives to come out of this tragedy.

    “They were young and we have nothing left now.”

    ‘Broken and shattered’ The bridge had just re-opened after a months-long renovation and reports said it had not had proper approvals.

    Nine people from the management firm that ran it were arrested Monday on suspicion of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, police said.

    “The government is clearly at fault,” said Gaffar. “Our lives were reduced to the mere 15 rupees (18 US cents) that the government earned from the tickets.

    “We don’t expect any justice. The powerful rule this country and the poor suffer. No one will ever be held responsible for the deaths.”

    Qadir Bhai Sama, 80, had fond memories of regularly taking his grandson to the bridge as a child.

    Now 17, Sahil Dilawar Sama went to it for the last time on Sunday, with three friends.

    “He promised his mother he would be back in two hours but the next day only his body returned,” said Sama. Of the three friends who accompanied him, one also died and the other two were hospitalised, he added. “They were close to each other and even tried to save each other.”

    The official in charge of the graveyard, Mohammad Toufeeq, 40, said his staff had been working without a break to help the victims’ families.

    “We haven’t slept or eaten anything since last night,” he said. “The entire area is in mourning.

    “We feel broken and shattered. There are no words to describe the loss and I think there’s nothing which will ease our pain.”

    MORBI: There were so many dead that their families had to queue up to bury them.

    Hundreds of mourners milled among the rows of graves at the Muslim cemetery in Morbi on Monday, a day after more than 130 people were killed in India’s worst bridge collapse in decades.

    Relatives dug graves for their kin with the help of staff, as mourners tried to comfort each other and volunteers offered the grieving families water.

    Some hugged each other, some cried, some mourned in silence as they waited their turn to lay the bodies to rest, with a shortage of coffins slowing the process.

    The newly-renovated, nearly 150-year-old suspension bridge in the Gujarat town — a renowned tourist attraction — was packed with visitors when it collapsed on the last day of the Diwali holiday season.

    Around 50 Hindu cremations were held on Monday, and 37 Muslim funerals were being carried out at the only Islamic cemetery in the district.

    Local businessman Rafiq Gaffar was burying two of his nephews: Nisar Iqbal, 21, and 12-year-old Arman Irfan.

    They were close friends and had told their mothers they were going to the bridge. The family rushed to the site when they learned of the collapse.

    “It was mayhem,” said Gaffar, 45. “People were crying and wailing. It was a scene from doomsday.

    “There were bodies floating on the water everywhere and people trapped on the bridge who were frantically calling for help.

    WATCH|

    “We had no hope after witnessing the scenes. We were just hoping to see their bodies.” They searched for the boys for eight hours, he said, but did not find them.”

    Finally around six in the morning their bodies were fished out. “Our family is devastated and it is difficult to overcome the loss.”

    Arman was the eldest of three brothers, he added. “He was in school and was too young to die.”

    Nisar had just started working at a spare parts shop and was helping to earn money for the family.

    “He has a sister who is getting married next year but we don’t know what will happen now. It will take us ages, in fact our lives to come out of this tragedy.

    “They were young and we have nothing left now.”

    ‘Broken and shattered’ 
    The bridge had just re-opened after a months-long renovation and reports said it had not had proper approvals.

    Nine people from the management firm that ran it were arrested Monday on suspicion of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, police said.

    “The government is clearly at fault,” said Gaffar. “Our lives were reduced to the mere 15 rupees (18 US cents) that the government earned from the tickets.

    “We don’t expect any justice. The powerful rule this country and the poor suffer. No one will ever be held responsible for the deaths.”

    Qadir Bhai Sama, 80, had fond memories of regularly taking his grandson to the bridge as a child.

    Now 17, Sahil Dilawar Sama went to it for the last time on Sunday, with three friends.

    “He promised his mother he would be back in two hours but the next day only his body returned,” said Sama. Of the three friends who accompanied him, one also died and the other two were hospitalised, he added. “They were close to each other and even tried to save each other.”

    The official in charge of the graveyard, Mohammad Toufeeq, 40, said his staff had been working without a break to help the victims’ families.

    “We haven’t slept or eaten anything since last night,” he said. “The entire area is in mourning.

    “We feel broken and shattered. There are no words to describe the loss and I think there’s nothing which will ease our pain.”

  • 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)

  • Gujarat: Death toll in tile factory mishap rises to three

    By PTI
    MORBI: The death toll in the accident at the tile manufacturing factory in Gujarat’s Morbi rose to three after the body of a missing woman labourer was recovered after nearly thirty hours of rescue operation, officials said on Saturday.

    Six to seven silos containing ceramic clay had fallen at the factory located in Rangpur village of Morbi district on Thursday evening.

    The bodies of two persons were recovered from the debris on Friday.

    “The body of a woman labourer, who had gone missing after the mishap, was found late night on Friday after 30 hours of rescue operation,” fire officer Hitesh Dave said.

    The deceased woman was identified as Sonamben Purabia, he said.

    Two others were injured in the mishap and admitted to a hospital for treatment.

    On Friday afternoon, the bodies of two victims, including that of the factory owner’s business partner, were pulled out from the debris.

    The silos, each containing around 60 tonnes of clay used for manufacturing tiles, had fallen on the victims.