CNN
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The deaths of 135 folks within the collapse of a cable suspension bridge in India’s western state of Gujarat is without doubt one of the worst public security tragedies to hit the nation lately.
As authorities examine the incident, questions have been raised about how the slender walkway collapsed and the function of {an electrical} manufacturing firm tasked with sustaining the colonial-era construction, which solely reopened to the general public final week after repairs.
Here’s what we all know.
Some 200 persons are estimated to have been on the bridge throughout the Machchhu River within the city of Morbi when it collapsed into the water under on October 30 at round 6:30 p.m. native time, in accordance with Gujarat authorities.
At least 30 kids had been among the many 135 killed, officers mentioned. It is unclear how many individuals stay lacking and authorities haven’t launched a determine for these injured.
Video reveals second of lethal bridge collapse in India
A 36-second video clip shared by the Morbi District Administration through CNN affiliate News-18 reveals a big crowd of younger males gathered on the bridge within the moments earlier than it collapsed.
The video seems to indicate a number of the males shaking the bridge backward and forward earlier than the construction provides means, plunging the folks standing on it into the river.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi mentioned on October 31 {that a} cable appeared to have snapped.
Photos from the aftermath present folks gathering on the riverbank beside the mangled steel walkway, which hung at a pointy angle into the water.
Survivors and witnesses of the lethal incident described scenes of chaos.
“People were hanging from the bridge after the accident, but they slipped and fell into the river when it collapsed,” Raju, a witness who gave just one identify, instructed Reuters. “I could not sleep the entire night as I had helped in the rescue operation. I brought a lot of children to the hospital.”
Narendrasinh Jadeja, whose buddy misplaced seven members of his household, together with 4 kids, instructed Reuters: “I cannot express how angry and helpless I am feeling.”
The Morbi Suspension Bridge was constructed throughout British rule round 1900 and is 230 meters (755 toes) lengthy and simply 1.25 meters (4 toes) broad.
For many years, it’s been a well-liked vacationer attraction within the riverside city, whose cobblestone streets carry the architectural legacy of colonial rule.
The bridge was closed for six months of renovations in April, in accordance with the managing director of Oreva, a Gujarat-based electrical home equipment producer that oversaw the upkeep work.
At a reopening ceremony on October 26, the managing director instructed reporters the construction wouldn’t want any main work for “eight to 10 years,” in accordance with a video of the occasion posted to social media.
A five-person particular investigation committee has been established to research the incident, Gujarat Home Minister Sanghavi mentioned on October 31.
Search and restoration operations by lots of of personnel from state and nationwide catastrophe aid groups and the Indian navy stay ongoing.
Nine folks have been arrested and are being investigated for culpable murder fees, state police mentioned on October 31. All of the suspects are related to Oreva.
They embrace two managers, two ticket clerks, two contractors and three safety guards, in accordance with senior police officer Ashok Kumar Yadav.
Since the lethal incident, public scrutiny has turned to Oreva, an organization based mostly in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest metropolis.
Oreva began out as a clockmaker earlier than diversifying into electronics, in accordance with its web site, which describes the agency because the “World’s Largest Clock Manufacturing Company” and “one of the Major Brands in India.”
CNN has reached out to Oreva a number of occasions, however has not acquired a response.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on the web site of the deadly collapse in Morbi on November 1.
Following an aerial survey of the world, he was seen taking inventory of rescue efforts underway as he stood at one finish of the collapsed suspension bridge. He is later as a consequence of go to a neighborhood hospital adopted by a gathering with native police officers.
Search and restoration operations continued on Tuesday as divers scanned the world for our bodies.
Families of the victims will obtain compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, Modi mentioned earlier.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel mentioned the state authorities would offer the equal of about $5,000 in compensation per household of the deceased and about $600 every for the injured.
Cremations of the victims are anticipated to start on November 1.
World leaders have paid tribute to the victims and their households within the wake of the tragedy.
US President Joe Biden despatched his condolences to those that misplaced family members throughout the collapse.
“Today, our hearts are with India. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the bridge collapse and join the people of Gujarat in mourning the loss of too many lives cut short,” Biden mentioned in an announcement Monday.
“The United States and India are indispensable partners, with deep bonds between our citizens. In this difficult hour, we will continue to stand with and support the Indian people.”
China’s President Xi Jinping additionally expressed his sympathies to Modi, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.
“On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I would like to express our deep condolences to the victims and extend our sincere sympathy to their families and the injured,” Xi mentioned, in accordance with CCTV.