Asia
At least 141 dead, many injured after suspension bridge collapses in India
At least 141 people died and many were injured after a cable bridge collapsed into a river in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Sunday evening, local media reported.
Officials told local media over a hundred people were plunged into the Machchu river when the bridge in the state’s Morbi district collapsed. It was not immediately clear how many people were on the bridge, but officials fear the death toll could rise. As of early Monday morning, 177 people had been rescued.
Days ago, the 19th-century, colonial-era bridge was reopened after renovation. Officials said that the bridge gave way because it could not handle the number of people on it.
“Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway,” Merja was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. “There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals.”
Videos on social media showed people clinging onto the partly submerged bridge in distress while another showed people swimming to safety.
Rescue operations are underway, with National Disaster Response Force Teams rushing to the site, local media reported. India’s Army, Air Force and Navy also joined the rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in his home state of Gujarat on a three-day visit, said he was “deeply saddened by the tragedy.” His office announced compensation to the families of the dead and urged for speedy rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the state government said it has formed a special team to investigate the disaster.
The bridge collapse is Asia’s third major disaster in a month.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PRESS RADIO MOBILE APP
On Saturday, a Halloween crowd surge killed more than 150 mostly young people who attended festivities in Itaewon, a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea. On Oct. 1, police in Indonesia fired tear gas at a soccer match, causing a crush that killed 132 people as spectators attempted to flee.
-
Lifestyle4 weeks ago
Road Safety Authority narrates how buttocks causes road accident
-
GENERAL NEWS1 month ago
Why 15 police officers stormed Owusu Bempah’s church – Kumchacha narrates
-
GENERAL NEWS4 weeks ago
Watch how Ibrahim Mahama rode Honda superbike to pay last respects to late friend
-
GENERAL NEWS1 month ago
How Offinso residents storm destooled queen mother’s house, demand for new chief
-
South Africa News1 month ago
Woman thrown out of a speeding taxi while on her way to work
-
GENERAL NEWS2 weeks ago
Deadly clash between youth and navy personnel results in two deaths at Tema Manhean
-
SHOWBIZ KONKONSAH2 weeks ago
Junior Pope’s Death: Video of John Dumelo refusing to join canoe for movie shoot over safety concerns resurfaces
-
News Africa2 months ago
‘Satanically dubious’ – SCOAN releases statement on BBC’s report about TB Joshua, church