At least 91 people died, and about a hundred are missing. when a suspension bridge collapsed across a river in the Indian state of Gujarat, in the west of the country, confirmed the Minister of State for Housing and Rural Development, Brijesh Merja, when Times of India.
The Morbi Suspension Bridge, over the Machchhu River, was a historic building that was renovated and reopened to the public just four days ago on the occasion of Gujarati New Year celebration.
Rajkot City MP, Mohan Kundariya, estimated the number of wounded to be around a hundred, although this figure could not be verified.
According to media witnesses, some 500 people, including women and children, were crossing the collapsing bridge.
State Minister for Employment, Housing and Development, Rusal Brijesh Merja, explained that “it was opened last week. “We are also shocked. The government takes responsibility for this tragedy.” he emphasized in statements to the NDTV network.
Merja confirmed the arrival of three platoons of rescue forces, 50 members of the Indian Navy, as well as two columns of military personnel and seven firefighting teams from Rajkot, Jamnagar and Diu.
According to the same sources, dozens of people would be drowned and a few may still be trapped under the rubble.
Photo: Reuters
For now, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi announced help to the relatives of the deceased and he ordered the special hiring of rescuers to help the victims of the tragedy, in an area that is difficult to access by road.
The National Aid Fund at the Office of the Prime Minister has advanced concession of 20 thousand rupiahs (4 thousand 8 Mexican pesos) as aid to the families of the victims.
The opposition blamed the ruling party for this accident. Bharatiya Hanata (BJP), for which they demanded a commission of inquiry and assured that the bridge did not have the necessary municipal authorization to reopen.
(With data from Europa Press)