Gujarat cable bridge collapse LIVE updates: PM Narendra Modi to visit Morbi on Tuesday as toll rises to 134

In a message to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he is "shocked and saddened” by the tragic bridge collapse. 

"The government and people of Sri Lanka join me in extending deepest condolences to you, the government and people of India especially the families of the citizens who lost their lives. May the injured have a speedy recovery and wish every success in the rescue and recovery operations underway,” said a press release issued by the President's office. 

On Monday, Lok Sabha MP from Rajkot Mohan Kundariya of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that 12 among those killed were his relatives. In an interview with PTI, he said that they had gone to visit a picnic spot on Sunday when the tragedy occurred. 

According to the BJP MP, 12 victims included five children, four women and three men, all close relatives of his elder brother. He added, “So many people have been killed. We will take strict action against those responsible for the incident.” 
 

Bridge collapse: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Morbi in Gujarat on Tuesday.
 

Speaking on the occassion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Gujarat's Kevadiya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over deaths in Morbi bridge collapse

"I am in Ekta Nagar but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely in my life, would I have experienced such pain," he said.

"On one hand, there is a pain-riddled heart and on the other hand, there is the path to duty," PM Modi said.

Following the accident, PM Modi has cancelled his road show, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, which is 300 kilometres from the accident site, on Monday ahead of the state Assembly polls, BJP sources said. 

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 400,000 ($4,856)to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 ($600)for the injured. 

A private operator had carried out the repair work of the bridge for nearly six months before it was reopened to the public on the Gujarati New Year Day on October 26. 

But the local municipality had not yet issued any fitness certificate (after the renovation work), an official said.

The over a century-old bridge, which had reopened five days ago after extensive repairs and renovation, was crammed with people when it collapsed around 6.30 pm on Sunday.