Sun 30 October 2022:
At least 60 people were killed and dozens injured, when a suspension bridge in India’s western Gujarat state collapsed, plunging hundreds of people into the water below.
More than 400 people were on the bridge, over the Machhu River in the town of Morbi on Sunday, at the time of the collapse.
Dozens of people clinging onto the cables and twisted remains of the collapsed bridge, as emergency teams struggled to rescue them. Some clambered up the broken structure, to try to make their way to the river banks, while others swam to safety.
Local officials say they brought pumps to lower the water level under the bridge to facilitate the recovery of bodies.
According to Press Trust of India, the bridge gave way as it could not handle the crowd on it.
The 230-metre historical bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century. It had been closed for renovation for six months and was reopened for the public last week.
The bridge is located in Morbi, 120 miles west of Gujarat’s main city, Ahmedabad.
Modi has also ordered that the families of those killed receive roughly $2,500, while those injured will receive roughly $600.
Accidents from old and poorly maintained infrastructure including bridges are common in India.
In 2016, the collapse of a flyover onto a busy street, in the eastern city of Kolkata killed 26 people.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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