More than 134 people killed in a bridge collapse in Morbi, Gujarat

Tags: place in news State News

In a tragic incident more than 134 people have been reported dead after a cable bridge collapsed in Morbi town in Gujarat on 30 October 2022.  The authorities fear that the casualties could grow as many bodies are likely to be recovered from the river.

The 230-metre (755 feet) bridge on river Machhu was built during British colonial rule in 1877. It was recently renovated and opened to the public. 

Some 400 people including children had bought tickets to get onto the bridge to celebrate the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals. However the bridge collapsed and plunged people about 10 meters (33 feet) into the river below.

The Gujarat government has ordered an inquiry into the tragedy and filed an FIR against the Oreva company which was responsible for the maintenance of the bridge.

Machhu River 

The Machhu River rises in the Madla hills of Jasdan near village Khokhara in Chotila taluka of Surendranagar district of Gujarat.

This is one of the North flowing rivers of Saurashtra in Gujarat state. It falls into the little Rann of Kachchh. 

Total length of this North Flowing river from its origin to its outfall into the little Rann of Kachchh is 114.75 km.