Now Reading: Gujarat bridge collapse death toll rises to 134, criminal case filed
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Gujarat bridge collapse death toll rises to 134, criminal case filed
The death toll from the collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, on Sunday has risen to 134, with many victims children, as authorities opened a criminal case into the accident. The colonial-era footbridge over the Machchhu River gave way while packed with sightseers celebrating Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, plunging people about 10 metres into the river.
Footage from just before the collapse showed the bridge swaying before its cables snapped. About 400 people had bought tickets to get onto the bridge, less than a week after it reopened following renovations. Among the dead were about 35 children under 14, according to a list of victims. Around 170 people had been rescued by Monday morning.
Rescue operations were hampered by muddy waters, and officials said there might be people trapped under the mangled remains of the bridge. An eyewitness described helping with rescues through the night, saying he brought many children to the hospital.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This is one of India's deadliest bridge collapses in a decade. The bridge, built during the British colonial era, had just undergone repairs and reopened for the festive season. The state government faces questions about safety clearances and crowd management, as the bridge had a capacity limit that appears to have been exceeded. A criminal investigation will examine whether negligence played a role in the disaster. The next focus will be on the arrest of those responsible and compensation for families of the victims.
Source: amp.scmp.com
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