Topline
At least 68 people died in western India Sunday after a historic pedestrian suspension bridge—which just reopened last week after a six month closure for renovations—suddenly collapsed, the BBC and Reuters reported.
Rescuers work at night after a cable bridge collapsed in Morbi, India on Sunday.
Key Facts
The bridge collapsed Sunday evening in Morbi, a city in Gujarat state, while more than 400 people stood on and around the bridge, authorities told Reuters.
Hundreds of people were plunged into the Macchu River below, officials said, and footage from the scene shows victims trying to escape by climbing up the bridge’s wire remains and by swimming to shore.
Officials say most of the fatalities were elderly people, women and children, according to The New York Times.
At least 30 people were injured, according to Reuters, and 170 people have been rescued, a Morbi official told The New York Times.
Authorities suggested the bridge was overcrowded due to celebrations for Diwali, an annual holiday that took place last week, according to the BBC, although it’s still unclear what exactly caused the bridge to fall.
Rescue attempts will continue through the night, officials said, and the Indian government has appointed a team to launch an investigation.
Tangent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi–who hails from Gujarat and happened to be in the state for a visit ahead of elections next month–announced families of victims who were killed or injured would receive financial compensation.
Key Background
The 754-foot bridge, known to locals as the Julto Pool, is a 19th-century suspension bridge built during British rule of India. The historic bridge—a popular tourist attraction—just reopened last week after a six month closure for renovations that coincided with Gujarati New Year, according to the Indian Express.
Further Reading
At least 68 killed in India bridge collapse (Reuters)
India bridge collapse: Hundreds plunged into river and dozens killed in Gujarat (BBC)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2022/10/30/century-old-bridge-collapse-kills-68-in-western-india-officials-say/