Morbi (Gujarat), Oct 31 (IANS) The death toll due to the collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat's Morbi has increased to 141 as of Monday morning, a top police official confirmed.
Video of the bridge collapse in Western India that killed at least 132 people
— Faytuks News Δ (@Faytuks) October 31, 2022
⚠️: Viewer discretion is advised pic.twitter.com/VFlPHCC8CP
The toll was confirmed to the media by Rajkot Range Inspector General of Police Ashok Yadav.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to extending support to the family of those who died in the accident.
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
PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the mishap in Morbi. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 30, 2022
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent his thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the tragedy.
My heart goes out to the people of India today, as recovery efforts continue following yesterday’s tragic bridge collapse. We’re wishing a full recovery to the injured, and we’re keeping the loved ones of the victims in our thoughts during this difficult time.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 31, 2022
However, the toll according to the Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi is 132, while two persons remain unaccounted for.
He also said that when the two missing persons are located, the search and rescue operations will be over.
As of Monday morning, the Morbi government hospital has released a list of 99 deceased, but has not mentioned the age of the victims.
The tragedy took place on Sunday evening when about 400 people were on the suspension bridge on the Machhu river.
A criminal complaint against the cable bridge contractor and manager has been lodged while the police have started a probe into the incident.
Photo courtesy of @PouYingLuck via Twitter & video courtesy of @Faytuks.