Morbi tragedy: 4 of 9 accused remanded in 5-day police custody

Constructed in 1879, the 233-metre suspension bridge over the Machchu river crumbled on Sunday evening four days after it was reopened following renovation

A local court on Tuesday remanded in five-day police custody four of the nine accused arrested in connection with the bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi that left 135 people dead.

Rescuers in boats search the Machchu river next to a cable bridge that collapsed in Morbi town of Gujarat. (AP)

Government prosecutor H S Panchal sought a 10-day remand saying the cables of the bridge were not changed and only the flooring was with four-layer aluminum sheets and that could have led to the collapse.

But chief judicial magistrate M J Khan granted the remand till November 5.

Constructed in 1879, the 233-metre suspension bridge over the Machchu river crumbled on Sunday evening four days after it was reopened following renovation.

The government has constituted a special investigation team as questions remained whether too many people were allowed to climb onto the bridge and whether authorities ensured adequate safety certification.

Police have registered a first information report for culpable homicide and negligence. Two managers of the Oreva Group, which renovated the bridge, were among those arrested.