The cable bridge in Morbi was renovated and reopened to the public on October 26 - the Gujarati New Year.
Digital Desk: A British-era bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, collapsed just a week after being repaired, killing at least 35 people. More than 100 others who have fallen into the river are being sought. The government has accepted the blame for the tragedy.
The bridge collapsed at 6.42 p.m. this evening, after approximately 500 people had gathered on it to perform rituals in connection to the Chhath puja.
According to reports, around 100 people are still believed to be trapped in the Macchu River. Videos from the scene showed many people struggling in the water, attempting to reach the bank in the dark.
The cable bridge in Morbi was renovated and reopened to the public on October 26 - the Gujarati New Year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Gujarat today, tweeted, "I am deeply saddened by the tragedy at Morbi. Talked to Gujarat Chief Minister Shri @Bhupendrapbjp and other officials about this. Relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected".
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi has left for Morbi.
SDRF teams, fire brigade and steamers from Rajkot and Kutch have all made a beeline for Morbi.
"I express my condolences to the families of the citizens who lost their lives in the tragedy of Morbi. The state government will provide ₹ 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and ₹ 50,000 to the injured," tweeted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
A compensation of ₹ 2 lakh has been declared from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the families of the victims.
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