As of: 10/31/2022 4:29 am
At least 132 people have died after a pedestrian bridge collapsed in western India. Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for the families of the victims.
In western India, the death toll after the bridge collapse has increased to more than 130. There are 132 dead, Indian media reported unanimously, citing state government officials. According to the broadcaster NDTV, 177 people were rescued, according to the “Times of India” two people are still missing.
The accident happened on Sunday evening (local time) in Morbi in the state of Gujarat. According to the authorities, around 500 people were on the bridge at the time.
Bridge has just been renovated
The pedestrian bridge over the Machchhu River was reopened this week after renovation work, it said. The building dates back to the 19th century. An investigation is underway, Gujarat Labor Minister Brijesh Merja told NDTV.
According to authorities, the bridge’s suspension cables gave way when people were on or near the bridge for religious rituals. Images and videos on social media show how the structure appears to be falling apart in the middle and several people are clinging to avoid falling into the water. Media reports said the construction might not have withstood the load of too many people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office announced on Twitter that compensation would be paid to the victims’ families.