New Delhi
CNN
—
The demise toll has risen to 134 after a suspension bridge collapsed in India’s western state of Gujarat on Sunday, as authorities revealed the construction had solely just lately reopened following repairs.
Gujarat House Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated Monday some 200 persons are estimated to have been on the bridge within the city of Morbi when it collapsed into the river under on Sunday night. A cable at one finish seems to have snapped, he added.
The victims embrace 30 kids, district officers advised CNN on Monday.
A complete of 170 individuals have been rescued thus far, in line with Vishal Kanjaria, an administrative official for Morbi district. Some stay in hospital and others have returned dwelling, although a precise breakdown will not be but identified.
The state of Gujarat has lodged a legal grievance in opposition to the company that was dealing with the upkeep of the 230-meter lengthy bridge, which was constructed within the nineteenth century and reopened final week after renovations, he stated.
Images from the scene Monday confirmed individuals gathering on the financial institution of the river Machchhu beside the mangled steel walkway, which hung at a pointy angle into the water, the place rescue staff in inflatable dinghies looked for survivors.
A five-person particular investigation committee has been established to analyze the incident, Sanghavi stated, amid an ongoing search and rescue operation by lots of of personnel from state and nationwide catastrophe reduction groups and the Indian navy.
Talking at a information convention within the early hours of Monday, Sanghavi didn’t say how many individuals are lacking, however social media video confirmed dozens within the water following the collapse of the bridge.
TV footage confirmed individuals holding the cables and stays of the bridge as emergency groups tried to achieve them, Reuters reported. Some climbed up the wrecked construction to achieve the river banks, whereas others swam to security.
Talking in a while Monday, senior police official Ashok Yadav stated seven of the injured are nonetheless in hospital, whereas 56 individuals have been discharged after receiving remedy.
The households of the victims will obtain compensation from the Prime Minister’s Nationwide Aid Fund, in line with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Talking Monday at a marketing campaign occasion forward of a state-level election in Gujarat, Modi stated his “coronary heart is crammed with love and is with the households of these struggling.”
“The state authorities has arrange a committee to analyze the incident. I guarantee the individuals of the nation that there can be nothing missing within the reduction and rescue efforts,” Modi stated.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated he was heading to Morbi and the state authorities would offer the equal of about $5,000 in compensation per household of the deceased and about $600 every for the injured.
“I categorical my condolences to the households of the residents who misplaced their lives within the tragedy,” he tweeted.