India bridge collapse: In Gujarat, a state in western India, a pedestrian suspension bridge fell, killing at least 141 people.
According to a local official, most of the deceased were women, children, and seniors. A week before, renovations had allowed the Morbi bridge to reopen.
According to police, the bridge crowd at the time as people celebrated the Diwali holiday.
During British administration in the 19th century, the 230m (754ft) bridge across the Machchu River constructed.
It is anticipated that there will more fatalities.
Even though police, the military, and emergency workers are there, rescue operations are still.
Officials said that more than 177 people have so far saved.
According to a witness by the name of Sukram, “Many children were enjoying vacations for Diwali and they came here as tourists.”
“They all collapsed on top of one another.” Overloading is what caused the bridge to fall. ”
Social media videos showed several people clinging to the debris as rescue workers tried to reach them. Some survivors managed to climb the shattered net of the bridge, while others could swim to the river banks.
According to reports, the bridge fell on Sunday at 18:40 India time (13:10 GMT), killing several hundred people.
Before it collapsed, a video showed it crowded with people, swaying, with many of them holding onto the netting on its sides.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has pledged compensation for victims’ families, comes from Gujarat. He expressed his “great sadness” over the incident.
The authorities have promised a thorough inquiry. However, whether safety inspections perform before the bridge reopened is a matter of debate. It is a well-liked tourist destination known as Julto Pul in the area (swinging bridge).
According to Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, many criminal charges have file for the event.
At the time of the occurrence, Prateek Vasava was standing on the bridge. He described how he had swum to the river’s shore to reach the Gujarati-language 24-hour news station.
He said: “I sought to drag some of them along with me, but they had perished or wash away.” Several kids fell into the river, he said.