Gujarat: 60 die as cable bridge, which was renovated recently, collapses in Morbi

The bridge was newly renovated and inaugurated a few days back.

According to reports, a large number of deceased in the incident were women and children.

Late Night Update: More than 90 people have now died in the tragedy.

Rescue operation is currently going on as several people are still missing.

As many as 500 people were believed to present on the bridge,which is over 140-year-old, when it collapsed. 

The bridge is also considered to be a popular tourist spot in the city.

According to reports, 100 people are believed to have fallen in the river following the collapse of the bridge.

Meanwhile, a Gujarat minister said the state government will take responsibility for the mishap.

"The government takes responsibility for this tragedy. The PM has spoken to the Chief Minister. All top officials are on ground. The renovation happened last week. We are also shocked. We are looking into the matter," Brijesh Merja, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment (Independent Charge) of Gujarat, told NDTV.

Brijesh Merja has shared several videos and images from the accident site on his social media page.

Gujarat is currently ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government.

The mishap occurred at a time when the state is gearing up to vote to elect a new Assembly in the upcoming months.

મોરબી ઝૂલતા પુલ દુર્ઘટના અંગે આદરણીય વડાપ્રધાનશ્રી @narendramodi જી એ મુખ્યમંત્રી @Bhupendrapbjp અને મંત્રી બ્રિજેશ મેરજા પાસેથી તમામ વિગતો મેળવી છે. વધુમાં વડાપ્રધાન દ્વારા બચાવ કાર્યમાં કોઈ કસર ન છોડવાના આદેશ પણ આપવામાં આવ્યા છે.(1/1) pic.twitter.com/D7ab09E3vi

— Brijesh Merja (@brijeshmeja1) October 30, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials over the mishap.

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel have announced ex-gratia for the family of deceased people.

"PM @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM @Bhupendrapbjp and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected," PMO India tweeted.

"PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the mishap in Morbi. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," read another tweet.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited a hospital where the injured people are undergoing treatment. He also visited the site of the tragedy.

Reactions:

President Droupadi Murmu tweeted: "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."

Apart from the tweets posted in PMO India Twitter handle, PM Narendra Modi also wrote a condolence message on his personal handle in Gujarati.

Before becoming the PM, Modi had served as the CM of Gujarat.

Expressing grief, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said he is praying for the safety of the people.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee posted: " I am deeply concerned about the tragic bridge collapse in Morbi, Gujarat, that has cost several innocent lives and left many trapped.My deep condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed sadness over the deaths in the bridge collapse tragedy.