India: dozens dead in the collapse of a pedestrian bridge in Gujarat
Excerpt from a video showing victims of a cable bridge collapse being cared for in Morbi district, West Gujarat state, India, this Sunday, October 30, 2022. AP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
At least 70 people died Sunday evening October 30 in India, when a suspension bridge over a river collapsed in the state of Gujarat, said a member of the local government.
More than 82 people have been rescued, he added.
This pedestrian bridge had just been opened to the public on the occasion of a religious festival.
Accusations are already pouring in on the responsibility for this tragedy, which comes in the middle of a political visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Advertising
Read more
With our correspondent in Bangalore,
Côme Bastin
Images of drownings and mayhem flooded Indian channels as after dark the structure of the bridge suddenly collapsed.
More than 500 people were present on this pedestrian bridge suspended over the Macchu river, in the town of Morbi.
The official toll reports at least 70 dead, but it is expected to increase.
“
I am deeply saddened by this tragedy
,” said Narendra Modi, who is currently campaigning in Gujarat where parliamentary elections are approaching.
The Prime Minister promised "
all possible assistance to the victims on the spot
".
The partially destroyed bridge over the Macchu River in Morbi district, West Gujarat state, India, Sunday, October 30, 2022. © AP - Rajesh Ambaliya
In the face of drama and panic, national unity did not last long.
The BJP, in power in this state, is beset with questions, while the
tragedy in South Korea
is in the minds.
How could this bridge have collapsed when it had just been renovated for more than 200,000 euros?
Why were so many people admitted to the structure?
A committee of inquiry has been promised, while the "infox" are already flourishing on the Internet.
One thing is certain, the disaster comes to tarnish the visit of Narendra Modi to praise the development model of Gujarat.
His Monday schedule could be seriously disrupted.
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
India