THIS is the horrifying second a bridge collapsed killing not less than 141 individuals in India only a day after a gaggle of youths had been seen shaking its cables.
It’s estimated that 56 children had been among the many victims after the 100-year-old suspension bridge crashed into the Machchhu River in Morbi, Gujarat.
Stunning footage reveals the second the bridge instantly snaps sending individuals plunging into the river.
Rescue staff battled to avoid wasting individuals river in an in a single day operation whereas dozens are nonetheless lacking.
Officers stated the bridge might maintain the load of 120-125 individuals however eyewitnesses claimed round 450-500 individuals had been standing on it when it snapped.
In the meantime, CCTV footage from Saturday, a day earlier than the tragedy reveals a big group of individuals making an attempt to swing the bridge.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse of the bridge with officers claiming it in all probability snapped because it couldn’t deal with the variety of individuals on it.
Harrowing footage from the scene present survivors desperately making an attempt to climb up the stays of the bridge whereas others tried swimming to security.
An eyewitness referred to as Madan stated: “I used to be about to set my foot on the bridge once I heard the loud thud it got here down crashing.
“We rushed to secure place after witnessing individuals falling into the waters and a few even bought trapped and screamed for assist.
“It was actually visuals straight from the hell.”
One other witness Ankita added: “There have been dozens of individuals on the bridge and on the far finish I might see it swaying moments earlier than it collapsed. It was horrific to witnesses such tragic scenes.
Somebody named Supran stated the bridge was “jam-packed”.
“The cables snapped and the bridge got here down in a break up second. Individuals fell on one another and into the river,” he advised native media.
One of many rescue staff stated: “I noticed the bridge collapse earlier than my eyes,”
“It was traumatic when a girl confirmed me a photograph of her daughter and requested if I had rescued her. I couldn’t inform her that her daughter had died.”
A survivor Prateek Vasava, advised 24 Hours Gujarati-language information channel he swam to the river financial institution after falling from the bridge.
“I needed to tug a few of them together with me however they’d drowned or bought swept away,” he stated.
The historic bridge had been closed for renovation work for six months and had solely reopened to the general public simply 4 days in the past.
It attracted many sightseers celebrating the Hindu pageant of lights, Diwali, and Chhath Puja holidays over the weekend.
Authorities are reportedly investigating whether or not the corporate that runs the bridge and sells tickets to cross throughout it had accomplished the right security checks forward of the vacation season.
Officers advised native media the bridge might need been working with out a “health certificates.”
Brijesh Merja, Minister of State within the Ministry of Labour and Employment (Impartial Cost) of Gujarat, stated authorities have taken “accountability” for the incident.
He advised NDTV: “The federal government takes accountability for this tragedy.
“The PM has spoken to the Chief Minister. All high officers are on floor.
“The renovation occurred final week. We’re additionally shocked. We’re wanting into the matter.”
Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel stated officers are monitoring the scenario.
He tweeted: “I’m deeply saddened by the tragedy of suspension bridge collapse in Morbi.
“Aid and rescue operations are ongoing by the system. The system has been instructed to rearrange quick remedy for the injured.
“I’m in fixed contact with the district administration on this regard.”
Patel added that compensation can be given to the households of these killed.
He added: “I categorical my condolences to the households of the residents who misplaced their lives within the tragedy of Morbi.
“The state authorities will present Rs 4 lakh (£4,000) to the household of every deceased and Rs 50,000 (£500) to the injured.”