Morbi: Recently repaired and reopened, hanging bridge of Morbi collapsed this evening as one of two main old-age ropes that were holding the bridge broke down. There were about 150 people on the bridge when it collapsed. Prima facie the incident is caused by over burden on the bridge due to Sunday and Diwali vacation rush.

Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi said: When the bridge collapsed, about 150 persons were present on the bridge as per the information available. The bridge collapsed at around 6.30 pm. The entire district administration had reached there by 6.45 pm. First patient was taken to hospital at 6.50 pm. District ambulances and rescue teams were rushed to the place. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was in constant contact with the district administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also spoken to the Chief Minister and asked for any help from the Centre including NDRF teams for speedy rescue. Home Minister Amitbhai Shah had called me at 6.48 pm.”

Around 150-year old hanging bridge, a major tourist attraction of Morbi was earlier with Morbi municipality. It was later handed over to Oreva company for maintenance, operation and security for 15 years. Oreva had done repair work of this bridge for six to seven months this year at a cost of around Rs. 2 crore. The bridge was reopened on Gujarati new year day.

Oreva’s director had in a press conference last week told the media persons that the bridge will not have any issue for the next ten to fifteen years. However, in just three to four days, the bridge has collapsed. There were over 100 people on the bridge when it collapsed, due to Sunday and ongoing Diwali vacation. Some news reports suggest that there could be around 300 people on the bridge when it collapsed.

Macchhu river on which the bridge is located has not so deep water and there are heavy black stones beneath the water. While some people were holding the collapsed bridge for survival, some others swam through the water. Some were rescued. However it is not known at this point how many people were injured or dead.

Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister and other officials regarding the mishap and sought urgent mobilization of teams for the rescue operation. He asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored and extend all possible help to those affected.

Local BJP MLA and minister Brijesh Merja said that the Prime Minister and Chief Minister had spoken to him and inquired about the incident. They had assured all help and provided guidance. Merja said those injured were taken to hospitals. He said private hospitals have been opened. If required those injured would be sent to Rajkot for further treatment. Local BJP leader and former BJP MLA Amrutiya was topless as he had given his shirt for rescue. He said local police and others were involved in rescue work and shirts were used for rescue work.

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.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 30, 2022

Hanging bridge of Morbi collapses ; Many tourists fall in river Machchuhttps://t.co/I7uc7l7vgM pic.twitter.com/iLGU5V0Cpl

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) October 30, 2022