At least 78 people have been killed in the collapse of a newly renovated suspension bridge in the Indian state of Gujarat. Many women and children are among the fatalities. Dozens of people have been injured.
The Home Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, said the tragedy occurred at around 6:30 pm local time on Sunday, when 150 people were on the bridge.
The 230-metre bridge was built in the 19th century, during British rule. It reopened to the public this week, after a six-month renovation. It is believed the structure was unable to support the weight of the large number of people walking on it.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed the tragedy with Gujarat senior officials.
Relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected.
India’s President Droupadi Murmu has expressed condolences to all those affected, saying the tragedy in Morbi has left her worried.
RT. com / ABC Flash-Point India News 2022.
What very sad news from India, it seems that there’s hardly a day goes by without some disaster claiming the lives of so many of it’s citizens!..
How does Modi think to use the analogy, “rescue operations are going on in FULL SWING”? Is there something more to it?
According to various Indian news agencies the 100 year old bridge collapsed due to the weight of those on it.
It is noticeable that it was the cable ties that broke not the supported pathway — authorities said it was not tested for strength before opening –on cable suspension bridges certain tensile strength tests are carried out using electronic/mechanical equipment- the company doing the renovations has been charged with culpable homicide.
So the bridge was originally build by the British 100 years ago, but actual maintenance failed big time causing this tragedy?
Correct !