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 Dwelling Minister Harsh Sanghavi mentioned 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 youngsters, district officers instructed CNN on Monday.
A complete of 170 individuals have been rescued thus far, based on Vishal Kanjaria, an administrative official for Morbi district. Some stay in hospital and others have returned house, although a precise breakdown is just not but recognized.
The state of Gujarat has lodged a legal grievance towards 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 mentioned.
Photographs from the scene Monday confirmed individuals gathering on the financial institution of the river Machchhu beside the mangled metallic walkway, which hung at a pointy angle into the water, the place rescue employees in inflatable dinghies looked for survivors.
A five-person particular investigation committee has been established to research the incident, Sanghavi mentioned, amid an ongoing search and rescue operation by lots of of personnel from state and nationwide catastrophe aid groups and the Indian army.
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 succeed in them, Reuters reported. Some climbed up the wrecked construction to succeed in the river banks, whereas others swam to security.
Talking afterward Monday, senior police official Ashok Yadav mentioned 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, based on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Talking Monday at a marketing campaign occasion forward of a state-level election in Gujarat, Modi mentioned his “coronary heart is full of love and is with the households of these struggling.”
“The state authorities has arrange a committee to research the incident. I guarantee the individuals of the nation that there can be nothing missing within the aid and rescue efforts,” Modi mentioned.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel mentioned the state authorities would supply 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.
