India bridge collapse kills 90

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Oct 2022 21:19
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India has been struck with another disaster after a bridge built around 140 years ago collapsed, killing over 90 people.

A view shows a damaged part of a suspension bridge after it collapsed in Morbi town in the western state of Gujarat, India, October 30, 2022 (Reuters)

Some 91 people have lost their lives after a suspension bridge on Sunday collapsed in India's western state of Gujarat, Indian broadcaster NDTV reported.

The bridge, built around a century and a half ago under Britain's colonial rule at the Machhu dam in Morbi, has been closed for the past two years, opening its gates on Wednesday after reconstruction.

Local newspaper The Hindu reported that renovation works on the closed-down bridge were carried out by a private company and, without a proper fitness certificate, the bridge was opened to the public, causing the disaster.

Reportedly, more than 500 people, including children, were on the bridge at the time of its collapse, which led to more than 350 of them falling into the river the bridge is extended over.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose administration the catastrophic event took place, directed all relevant agencies to provide all of the victims with the necessary assistance and aid and pay the families of those killed and injured 200,00 and 50,000 Indian rupees ($2,430 and $607), respectively.

Local officials indicated that rescue efforts have been obstructed by the river's strong current and the poor visibility on the site. Meanwhile, several rescue teams have been dispatched from the city of Morbi and nearby towns to try and increase the rescue efforts.

Over the past few months, India has been struck with various disasters whose repercussions have been disastrous for the country, including floods and several man-made disasters.