CNN
—
The deaths of 135 folks within the collapse of a cable suspension bridge in India’s western state of Gujarat is among 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.
Right 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 the very least 30 youngsters had been among the many 135 killed, officers mentioned. It’s unclear how many individuals stay lacking and authorities haven’t launched a determine for these injured.
A 36-second video clip shared by the Morbi District Administration by way of CNN affiliate Information-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 few of the males shaking the bridge back and forth earlier than the construction provides method, plunging the folks standing on it into the river.
Gujarat Residence Minister Harsh Sanghavi mentioned on October 31 {that a} cable appeared to have snapped.
Photographs from the aftermath present folks gathering on the riverbank beside the mangled metallic walkway, which hung at a pointy angle into the water.
Survivors and witnesses of the lethal incident described scenes of chaos.
“Individuals had been hanging from the bridge after the accident, however they slipped and fell into the river when it collapsed,” Raju, a witness who gave just one title, informed Reuters. “I couldn’t sleep all the night time as I had helped within the rescue operation. I introduced a variety of youngsters to the hospital.”
Narendrasinh Jadeja, whose buddy misplaced seven members of his household, together with 4 youngsters, informed Reuters: “I can not specific how indignant and helpless I’m feeling.”
The Morbi Suspension Bridge was constructed throughout British rule round 1900 and is 230 meters (755 ft) lengthy and simply 1.25 meters (4 ft) huge.
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 told 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 analyze the incident, Gujarat Residence Minister Sanghavi mentioned on October 31.
Search and restoration operations by a whole bunch of personnel from state and nationwide catastrophe reduction groups and the Indian army stay ongoing.
9 folks have been arrested and are being investigated for culpable murder fees, state police mentioned on October 31. All the suspects are related to Oreva.
They embody two managers, two ticket clerks, two contractors and three safety guards, in accordance with senior police officer Ashok Kumar Yadav.
For the reason that lethal incident, public scrutiny has turned to Oreva, an organization primarily based 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 Firm” and “one of many Main Manufacturers in India.”
CNN has reached out to Oreva a number of occasions, however has not acquired a response.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is predicted to go to Morbi on November 1. Households of the victims will obtain compensation from the Prime Minister’s Nationwide Reduction Fund, he mentioned.
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.