Morbi bridge collapse updates: Army, Air Force and Navy join NDRF for rescue ops
Gujarat cable bridge collapse live updates: Hundreds are feared injured in the hanging bridge collapse in Morbi district. President Murmu expressed concern, while PM Modi announced aid for the next of kin of those deceased.
Morbi bridge collapse LIVE: At least 60 dead and hundreds are feared injured after a suspension bridge collapsed in Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi area on Sunday. The historic 'hanging bridge' over Machchu river is a popular tourist attraction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PM's national relief fund for the next of kin of those deceased and ₹50,000 for each person injured in the accident. ...Read More
PM Modi has also sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue operations, while Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has asked officials to arrange immediate treatment of the injured. According to recent reports, the hanging bridge had reopened recently after repairs six months ago. It is being said that the bridge was carrying more people than its capacity.
Army, Air Force and Navy join rescue operations for Morbi bridge collapse
For rescue and relief operations, 3 platoons of NDRF with 50 personnel of Indian Navy, 30 personnel of IAF along with 2 columns of Army personnel and 7 teams of Fire Brigade left for Morbi with advanced equipment from Rajkot.
Three teams of state relief force and two more NDRF teams are being airlifted from Vadodara airport to Rajkot airport, officials said.
Morbi deaths consist many women, children and elderly: BJP MP on site
More than 60 bodies recovered, of which more are of children, women and elderly. Rest have been rescued; NDRF rescue op underway. We're taking this matter very seriously, it's very saddening, says Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, BJP MP from Rajkot, as quoted by ANI.
‘More than 60 dead,’ says Gujarat minister on site as reported by ANI
More than 60 people have died, Gujarat Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja, who is present at the incident spot, told news agency ANI.
"Many people came here in view of Diwali holidays & weekend; it's a tourist-friendly place. Incident occurred probably because of the huge crowd at bridge. When it collapsed, people fell over each other, said eyewitnesses Amit Patel and Sukram.
Gujarat: Morbi bridge was built during British rule, reopened for public last week
A major tourist attraction, the cable bridge is more than a century old and has undergone renovation and repairs over the years. The latest repair work was completed a few days ago before Diwali and it was recently re-opened for the public. Read full story
BJP releases helpline for Morbi accident
Video: People seen swimming out of river after Morbi bridge collapse
‘Cancelling all programs, leaving for Morbi’: Gujarat CM Patel
“I am leaving for Morbi by canceling all the programs ahead of me today. Direct monitoring of the situation by reaching the place in person and necessary coordination with the system,” tweeted Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
3 NDRF teams dispatched, rescue ops on
“Three NDRF teams have already been dispatched – two from Gandhinagar and one from Baroda – to assist in the rescue operation following an accident in Gujarat's Morbi city in which several people fell into Machchhu river after a suspension bridge collapsed,” said DG NDRF Atul Karwal, as quoted by ANI.
40 dead in Morbi bridge collapse, toll could rise: Police
“Presently rescue operations are on and a number of people have been taken to safety. The death figure so far is around 40 and this number could go higher," said Ashish Bhatia, Director General of Police.
President Murmu expresses concern over Gujarat bridge collapse
“The tragedy in Morbi, Gujarat has left me worried. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. Relief and rescue efforts will bring succour to the victims,” tweeted President Droupadi Murmu.
