New Delhi: Several people have been killed after a 140-year-old suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city on Sunday evening.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that the official death toll is 7.

The bridge, which was recently reopened to the public after renovation, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it, officials told PTI.


“Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

Rescue work is underway. According to an NDTV report, nearly 100 people are still feared trapped underwater.

Eyewitnesses said that there were several women and children on the hanging bridge when it snapped.

PM announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The injured persons would be given an amount of Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi spoke to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel & 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 & continuously monitored & extend all possible help to those affected.

Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi and other state officials.

President Droupadi Murmu has said that “her thoughts and prayers are with the affected people.”

With inputs from agencies

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