At least thirty people died Sunday evening, October 30, in India, in the collapse of a suspension bridge in the state of Gujarat, in the west of the country, announced a member of the local government, Brijesh Merja , at Agence France-Presse.
The toll could rise further. More than 100 people were still wanted, according to local media which showed videos of people catching hold of debris from the structure of the Morbi bridge. “A rescue operation is underway”involving in particular divers, specified Mr. Merja.
Gujarat bridge collapse: NDRF teams dispatched for rescue operations, says NDRF Director General. #Morbi #Gujarat… https://t.co/yTlB1FKiJX
This bridge, dating from the British colonial era, had just reopened to the public after months of work. Local officials quoted by Indian media estimated that up to 500 people were on the bridge when it collapsed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Gujarat, where he is from, asked “the urgent mobilization of rescue teams” and making aid available for all victims, his office tweeted.
More information to come.