NEW DELHI– The death toll has risen to 91, in a bridge collapse, in India’s western state of Gujarat, yesterday evening, said media reports.
“At least 91 people were killed, while many are said to be injured, after a hanging bridge collapsed in Machchhu river, in Gujarat Morbi district yesterday evening,” reported India Today.
Rescue and relief work is ongoing, even as many are still trapped in the river, after the cable bridge collapsed.
The bridge was reopened to the public just four days prior to the incident, following renovation work, reported The Tribune newspaper.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, spoke to the state government officials and directed them to extend all possible help to those affected.
The state government announced a monetary compensation of 400,000 Indian Rupees (over 4,860 U.S. dollars) to each of the families of the dead.
Besides, Modi dedicated a compensation of 200,000 Indian Rupees (over 2,430 dollars) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, to each of the bereaved families.
Source: Nam News Network