Bridge collapses in Gujarat: 68 killed, 100 plus missing
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Morbi/ Gujarat: A hanging bridge over the Machhu dam in Gujarat's Morbi collapsed on Sunday evening, killing at least 68 people, including children, and more than 100 people missing.
Officials informed that rescue teams and medical emergency troops rushed to the spot.
Former MLA in Morbi, Kantilal Amrutiya, told reporters of the local media that he and his team gathered at least eight bodies and rescued more than 80 people who fell into the Machhu river after the bridge fell.
Morbi city Congress chief Rajeshbhai Kava said that the 100-plus-year-old bridge, which was closed for two years for renovation, was opened on the 26th of this month. Since it was Sunday and Diwali vacation, there were more than 500 visitors there to see the hanging bridge.
After learning about the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued instructions to the state to rush every aid possible to the Morbi administration. He urged to speed up rescue and emergency medical services.
Morbi MLA and Minister Brajesh Merja informed that rescue teams are having a hard time due to night and the water flow in the river. Fire units from nearby districts were also called to the spot, he said.
The Central government has announced 4 lakh rupees each for the families of those lost lives, while the state government 2 lakhs each. Both Centre and state will give 50,000 each for those got injured.