60 people were killed after a pedestrian bridge in the western Indian state of Gujarat collapsed. Most of the people on the bridge at the time of the collapse plunged into the water, while others hung for dear life.
Authorities said more than 150 people were on the suspension bridge over the Machhu River in the town of Morbi at the time of the collapse.
Videos circulating the local news showed as the emergency services struggled to rescue the victims. It also showed people clinging to cables to save their lives.
Some were able to make it to the river bank. Others swam for safety but the authorities said that about 60 people could not make it out alive.
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said more than 150 people were on the narrow cable-stayed bridge, a tourist attraction that drew many sight-seers during the festive season when Diwali and Chhath Puja is celebrated.
The authorities also reported that about 30 people were severely injured and were taken to the hospital.
The Morbi local government ought to know that the bridge was not stable. As if it had been repaired, this catastrophic loss would have been prevented.
The incident comes ahead of elections in Gujarat, which are expected to be held by the year-end with the current term of Modi’s ruling party’s term ending in February 2023.
Although the Indian government might have launched a special unit investigation into the incident, it does not excuse the nonchalance of the local government regarding local infrastructures.
The 230-meter historic bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century. It had been closed for renovation for six months and was reopened for the public last week.
Why would the local government open the tourist attraction without proper renovation? There are many unanswered questions surrounding the massive deaths of sixty people.
The state government has formed a five-member special investigation team to conduct an investigation into the disaster.