Morbi bridge collapse: Gujarat to observe state-wide mourning on Nov 2 | Updates

US President Joe Biden on Monday extended his deepest condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in a bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi city. The more than a-century-old bridge, which had reopened five days back after extensive repairs and renovation, was crammed with people when it collapsed on Sunday evening. Over 130 people have died so far in the accident.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in Morbi at Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar earlier today. Prime Minister was briefed on the rescue and relief operations that have been underway ever since the unfortunate mishap took place in Morbi. All aspects relating to the tragedy were discussed. Prime Minister once again emphasised ensuring that those affected get all possible assistance.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Monday sought a comprehensive probe over the sudden collapse of the recently renovated bridge in Morbi city of Gujarat that claimed at least 134 lives. The party's national general secretary D Raja, on a visit to Chennai after he was elected to the top position at the party congress in Vijayawada this month, said the suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi city was recently renovated. "It is a very saddening incident. Several people have lost their lives and many have been seriously injured. I express heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the affected families on behalf of the CPI and my own behalf," he said.

4 employees of Oreva company which was responsible for maintenance and operation of the bridge have been arrested.

WATCH | An injured survivor recounts the harrowing moment when the suspension bridge collapsed and how he saved himself

Profound sorrow to hear the sad news of loss of many human lives due to the tragic Bridge collapse in Gujarat. We express our deepest condolence and sympathy to the families of the victims as well as the people of India. Hope their souls will rest in eternal peace.

The Dalai Lama on Monday extended his condolences to the families of those who died in the Morbi suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in a bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi city. Over 130 people have died so far in the accident. In a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was published on the Kremlin website on Monday, Putin said, “Dear Ms President, dear Mr Prime Minister, please accept my heartfelt condolences over the tragic bridge collapse in the state of Gujarat. ”

News Agency quoted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Rajkot Mohanbhai Kundariya as saying that as many as 12 members of his family have died in the suspension bridge collapse incident.

Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s roadshow in Haryana's Adampur on Monday for the upcoming bypolls has been cancelled. The decision comes in view of the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat, a senior party leader said. Kejriwal was to take out a roadshow in Adampur, a day before the campaigning ends for the November 3 bypolls there.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Morbi, Gujarat tomorrow, 1st November.

Seven members, including five children, of a family in Jaliya Devani village, Dhrol taluka in Jamnagar district died in the mishap yesterday. The bodies are being taken for their last rites.

Morbi Police arrested 9 people in connection with the historic bridge collapse that claimed as many as 134 lives.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday took stock of the ongoing rescue operation in Morbi. 

The death toll in Morbi suspension bridge collapse rose to 134 , a senior Gujarat police official said, adding that the rescue operation was still underway.

Injured of MorbiTragedy, admitted to City Hospital in Morbi. A man, Anil says, "My 2 daughters, wife, sister-in-law, my wife's aunt and her 3 sons were there; 2 of them were still there when bridge collapsed. My wife got injured in head. CT Scan done, report awaited."

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"I am in Ekta Nagar but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely in my life, would I have experienced such pain. On one hand, there is a pain-riddled heart and on the other hand, there is the path to duty," said PM Narendra Modi in Kevadiya, Gujarat.

I'm in Ekta Nagar but my heart is in Morbi, said PM Modi at a public event in Gujarat. READ STORY

Rajkot Fire Brigade deployed 6 boats, 6 ambulances, 2 rescue vans and 60 jawans. A total of 20 rescue boats from Baroda, Ahmedabad, Gondal, Jamnagar, Kutch are conducting search. 12 fire tenders, rescue vans and over 15 ambulances are involved in search operation, said Ilesh Kher, Chief Fire Officer, Rajkot

"Such a number of casualties in one area is a first for us. Usually, it is an incident of boat capsizing. The only challenge is that this is muddy water that causes visibility issues when our divers go underwater," said VVN Prasanna Kumar, NDRF Commandant

Drones are being used to help in the search and rescue operation in Morbi, following the incident of bridge collapse.

An FIR was lodged in the bridge collapse under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (intentional act causing death) and 114 (abettor present when offence committed), against whoever is found responsible, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said.

"I can't describe it in words. There were children as well. I helped people as members of my own family. I also gave my vehicle to carry bodies to the hospital. The admin also helped too. I never saw anything like this ever," said Haseena, an eyewitness to Morbi tragedy.

Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Several people lost their lives in yesterday's incident in Gujarat. First of all,I express condolences to families of all those who died in the unfortunate incident. May all those who died, rest in peace"

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Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi  said a criminal case has been registered and an investigation has begun today under the leadership of Range IGP 

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi addressed press conference on Monday morning. "Everyone worked all through the night. Navy, NDRF, Air Force and Army reached quickly. More than 200 persons have worked the entire night (for search and rescue operations)," he said. 

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Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi is present at the spot as rescue operation underway.

Indian Navy Marine commandos from Valsura reached Morbi. Indian navy sent 70 personnel including Marcos and Sailors.

Delhi Cheif Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of people after a cable bridge collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat.

According to officials, 177 people were rescued so far after Morbi cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat.

The rescue operation is still underway. Indian Army reached Morbi around 3 at night. "We are trying to recover the bodies. Teams of NDRF are also carrying out rescue operations," said Major Gaurav, Indian Army.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Morbi city in the state on Sunday night and took stock of the ongoing rescue operation after a newly-restored suspension bridge over Machchhu river collapsed in the evening, killing at least 60 people. After reaching Morbi, Patel along with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, reached the river bank and took details about the ongoing rescue operation from the officials a state government release said.

Injured victims were being taken to Morbi Civil Hospital for treatment after Morbi cable bridge collapsed on Sunday evening. 

The death tolll rose to 100 till early morning. Around 177 people have been rescued. 19 people are under treatment. Army, Navy, Air Force, NDRF, Fire Brigade are conducting search operations.