India: Gujarat's bridge collapse death toll rises to 132, 177 rescued so far

The death toll in the cable bridge collapse in Morbi district of western Gujarat state has increased to 132while around 177 people have been rescued so far till Monday morning.

Officials are still searching for people as a joint team of army, navy, air force and fire brigade teams have been dispatched to conduct search operations. Six boats, six ambulances and two rescue vans have been sent to Morbi from the Rajkot fire brigade department.

The collapse happened on Sunday evening when a huge crowdhad gathered on the bridge inthe Machchhu river, which isaround 300 km from the state capital Ahmedabad. It isconsidered a local picnic spot.

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However, some reports claimed that the area had no electricity which was proving an impediment in the rescue operation.

Gujarat's home minister Harsh Sanghavi has said that a case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the management team of the Morbi bridge after the incident.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took to Twitter to state he was reaching the accident spot soon.

"I am leaving for Morbi by canceling all my upcoming events today. Direct monitoring of the situation and necessary coordination with the system will be achieved by reaching the site in person," tweeted Patel.

Expressing his condolences, the CM announceda cash help of $4900 (Rs 4 lakh) for the families of the deceased and $600 for the injured.

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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office informed that the PM had spoken to the Gujarat CM about the mishap and told him to depute rescue teams on the spot.

"PM @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM @Bhupendrapbjp and 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 and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected."

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences and informed that National Disaster Response Forcewas reaching the spot.

"I am deeply saddened by the accident in Morbi. I have spoken to Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home and other officials of Gujarat in this matter. Local administration is engaged in relief work with full readiness, NDRF is also reaching the spot soon. The administration has been directed to provide immediate treatment to the injured," tweeted Shah.

Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, the BJP MP from Rajkot claimed that 60 bodies had been recovered so far. He added that machines were being used to pump out water and find the bodies underneath.

The 15-year-old bridge was only opened on October 26 for Gujarati new yearafter six months of renovation at an estimated cost of $243,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

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