Gujarat: At least 60 dead as suspension bridge collapses in morbi
Morbi, Oct 30: At least 60 people died after a century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi city collapsed on Sunday evening, officials said.
The bridge, which reopened four days ago after extensive repairs and renovation, was crammed with people when it collapsed around 6.30 pm, officials said.
"At least 60 persons have died in the tragedy," Gujarat minister Brijesh Merja said.
Eyewitnesses said there were several women and children on the British era "hanging bridge" when it snapped, plunging them into the water below.
Some people were seen jumping on the bridge and pulling its big wires, an eyewitness said. The bridge may have collapsed due to the "huge crowd" on it, he added.
People fell over each other when the bridge collapsed, he said.
Due to the Diwali vacation and being a Sunday, there was a rush of tourists on the bridge, a major tourist attraction.
A private operator had carried out the repair work of the bridge for nearly six months before it was reopened to the public on the Gujarati New Year day on October 26.
A fire department official said that boats were being used to rescue people from the river.
"We are carrying out rescue work using boats. There are around 40-50 people in the river," the official said.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said he was saddened by the tragedy.
"Relief and rescue operations by the administration are going on. The administration has been instructed to arrange immediate treatment for the injured. I am in constant contact with the district administration in this regard," he said.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a tweet that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Gujarat, spoke to Patel and officials.
Modi sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops, the PMO said, adding the PM has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and all possible help be extended to those affected.
Suspension Bridge in BJP’s Gujarat collapsed. More than 400 people fell into water and got injured!
— YSR (@ysathishreddy) October 30, 2022
To be noted that, this bridge was renovated & opened just 5 days ago.
This is Gujarat’s development 👇 pic.twitter.com/8IQi9LHwZR
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Pro-Israel posters pasted, black ink thrown outside Owaisi's residence in Delhi
A group of five men pasted posters outside the residence of AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi in New Delhi on Thursday evening, demanding his suspension from the Lok Sabha, officials said.
According to a police officer, four-five men reached Mr. Owaisi's 34 Ashoka Road residence located in Central Delhi and pasted three posters at the entry gate and wall of the house about 9 p.m.
The lines like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', 'I stand with Israel' and 'Owaisi should be suspended' were written on the posters.
A purported video of the incident surfaced online in which one of the miscreants said that youth of the country should be united against the politician, who does not say "bharat mata ki jai".
The Delhi Police however, reached the spot and removed the posters. By then, the men had gone away, an officer said.
A police officer said they are trying to identify the people and legal action will be taken against them.
Mr. Owaisi saying “Jai Palestine” while taking oath as a member of the Lok Sabha had sparked a row among the other MPs.
"Some 'unknown miscreants' vandalised my house with black ink today. I have now lost count the number of times my Delhi residence has targeted. When I asked @DelhiPolice officials how this was happening right under their nose, they expressed helplessness," Owaisi wrote on X.
Tagging Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Owaisi wrote, "this is happening under your oversight. please tell us if MPs' safety will be guaranteed or not".
"To the two-bit goons who keep targeting my house: this does not scare me. Stop this Savarkar-type cowardly behaviour and be men enough to face me. Do not scurry away after throwing some ink or pelting a few stones," he wrote further.
Some “unknown miscreants” vandalised my house with black ink today. I have now lost count the number of times my Delhi residence has targeted. When I asked @DelhiPolice officials how this was happening right under their nose, they expressed helplessness. @AmitShah this is… pic.twitter.com/LmOuXu6W63
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) June 27, 2024
