PM Modi chairs high-level meet to review situation in Morbi, briefed on relief ops | HIGHLIGHTS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in Morbi where a hanging bridge collapsed on Sunday evening, killing at least 134 people.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the rescue and relief operations that have been underway ever since the unfortunate mishap took place in Morbi. All aspects relating to the tragedy were discussed. The Prime Minister once again emphasised on ensuring that those affected get all possible assistance.

The meeting was attended by CM Bhupendra Bhai Patel and other ministers of Gujrat cabinet.

Congress on Monday sought the resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh and said that a judicial probe into the matter of the Morbi bridge collapse. "Nothing less than this can serve as justice for the 141 victims who lost their lives in the tragedy!," the Congress leader Srinivas BV said.

While addressing a press conference, Ashok Yadav, IG, Rajkot range said that nine people, including bridge contractor and ticket clearks have been arrested in connection with the Morbi bridge collapse case that killed at least 133 people and injured over 100. 

We arrested 9 people after filing FIR under avrious sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), he said. "As and when we get evidence, police will nab the accused further. We have also formed a Special Investigation team pertaining to the incident," Yadav added.

Mehul Rawal, 40, was injured in the Morbi bridge collapse incident and admitted in Krishna hospital. He suffered injuries to his right leg. Doctors have said that he will be operated on after two days. With him, there were 8 of his family members on the bridge when the mishap took place. 

The members included his brother-in-law, sister, 2 nephews, brother, sister and 2 of their kids. He, along with two other members of his family, is admitted to the hospital. 

Sharing the ordeal, Mehul said his family saw a huge crowd on the bridge and returned midway. They were towards the end of the bridge when it fell. He too took the fall and got injured.

Another survivor identified as Nandan Chauhan was admitted to a hospital earlier in the day. The 7-year-old survivor underwent surgery as he collapsed on a stone. His father Prakash, mother Sonalben and sister are also admitted to another hospital. 

Nandan's mother said that they were lucky to survive as the bridge collapsed as soon as they entered.

Nine people have been arrested in the Morbi bridge collapse case that killed at least 133 people and injured over 100. 

Four people have been arrested in connection with the horrific Morbri bridge collapse that killed at least 133 people and injured over 100. The incident took place on Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, nine people were detailed by Police for interrogation. 

In view of the tragic Morbi bridge collapse, as many as 9 people have been taken into custody for investigation of the matter. Police interrogating is underway. 

Meanwhile, a survivor of Gujarat's Morbi bridge tragedy, while recounting the harrowing moment, on Monday said that some mischievous children were shaking the ropes of the bridge before it came down, killing about 133 people and injuring over 100.

More than 3000 people will not be able to go to the Atal Bridge in Ahmedabad at one time, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation announced on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the horrific Morbi bridge collapse incident that killed at least 133 people on October 31.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets emotional while talking about yesterday's horrific bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi district that killed at least 133 people and injured many more.

A man who managed to survive the disastrous bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi shared his ordeal. While speaking to ANI, the survivor explained when exactly the hanging bridge collapsed and how he managed to save himself.

I am saddened by the unfortunate incident that happened on the Morbi bridge on Sunday evening. Many people lost their lives. My condolences to affected families on behalf of the people of Haryana. Haryana will stand with them for any kind of cooperation and assistance: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses sincere condolences to the friendly Republic of India, due to the unfortunate collapse of a suspension bridge in the western Indian state of Gujarat, which caused a number of casualties: Foreign Affairs Ministry, Saudi Arabia

The people of Gujarat's Morbi have set an example of humanity. Complete arrangements for food and drinks have been made by the locals so that the bridge collapse rescue work can be carried away without any hindrance and officials involved in the operations do not have to starve. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said, "I don’t want to politicise this incident. People have lost lives there. It’s disrespectful to do that. I don’t want to do politics on it."

Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his condolences and said, "Kindly accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the collapse of a bridge in Gujarat. Please convey words of sympathy and support to families of the deceased and wishes for a speedy recovery to all injured in the catastrophe."

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said, "An awful tragedy happened yesterday in Morbi! Profound condolences to the relatives of those who perished, to Prime Minister Modi and all the people of India and Gujarat! Speedy recovery to the injured!"

"It is a sad incident. Many people have died. It was an old bridge which was repaired recently. The government should look into it," Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said.

"We have held a couple of people from the management and are questioning them," Rahul Tripathi, SP Morbi said.

The Indian Navy's Markos commando divers with gear are engaged in the rescue operations at the Morbi bridge collapse site. 

Three people are still missing and rescue operations, which were carried out overnight, are underway. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Morbi bridge collapse site on Tuesday.  

The Special Investigation Team reached the Morbi bridge collapse site to probe into the incident on Monday afternoon.

The death toll rose to 133 after one more body was recovered by the rescue teams. The search and rescue operation is still underway.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said, "I offer my condolences. An inquiry headed by a retired SC/HC judge should be done as to how the bridge collapsed after 5-6 days of inauguration and who allowed so many people there. All necessary help, including compensation, should be provided for victims."

"Congress leaders have reached there. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot also reaching there. We will try to help. We are not doing politics in this and don't want to blame anyone right now," Kharge said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reached the collector's office in Morbi early this morning and got all details of matters including search operation, relief-rescue operation and treatment of the injured. He also gave necessary instructions to the officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kevadia, Gujarat, said, "Rarely in my life, have I experienced such pain. On one hand, there is a pain-riddled heart and on the other hand, there is the path to duty." 

"I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. In this hour of grief, the government is with the bereaved families in every way. The Gujarat government has been carrying out relief and rescue ops since yesterday. The centre, too, is extending all help to the state government," PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences at Morbi bridge collapse incident and said, "I am in Ekta Nagar but my heart is with victims of Morbi." 

"We divided the area into 3 among Civil administration, SDRF, Fir Services, Army, Navy, IAF, NDRF. Our divers rescued people &recovered bodies from our area. We suspect that there might be people trapped under floor of bridge that collapsed, we're taking help of deep divers," NDRF Commandant told ANI. 

Drones are being used to help in the search and rescue operation in Morbi, following the incident of bridge collapse in Morbi.

"Rajkot Fire Brigade deployed has 6 boats, 6 ambulances, 2 rescue vans & 60 jawans. A total of 20 rescue boats from Baroda, Ahmedabad, Gondal, Jamnagar, Kutch are working.12 fire tenders, rescue vans & over 15 ambulances are here," Ilesh Kher, Chief Fire Officer, Rajkot told ANI.

An FIR has been registered against IPC sections 304, 308 and 114 in the Morbi bridge collapse against the agency that was given the responsibility of maintenance of the bridge and the agency involved in management. Those involved in the mishap will be booked. 

(With inputs from Saurabh Vaktania)

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Poland, Zbigniew Rau, expressed his condolences and stated, "My deep and sincere condolences to the Nation of India for the tragedy in Morbi, Gujarat. This city has a special place in Polish-Indian relations."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday canceled all his events in the wake of the Morbi bridge collapse where over 130 people have lost their lives. 

He was scheduled to carry out a roadshow in Haryana's Adampur ahead of the by-elections on Monday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said, "Several people lost their lives in yesterday's incident in Gujarat. I express condolences to the families of all those who died in the unfortunate incident. May all those who died rest in peace"

Seven deep divers of the Indian Navy have been deployed to carry out the rescue operations. 

A criminal case has been registered under sections 304, 308 and 114. A high-powered committee will carry out a probe into the incident, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said.

Gujarat Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, addressed the media on Monday morning and stated that more than 200 people have worked overnight to carry out search and rescue operations. 

The rescue operation is still underway. The Indian Army also reached the spot at around 3 am. Teams of NDRS and SDRF were also present at the spot.

The death toll in the bridge collapse accident has risen to more than 130, according to the Gujarat Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi. Rescue operations are currently underway. 

Several teams of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been working overnight to rescue those who fell into the Machhu river after the bridge collapsed on Sunday evening. So far, 177 people have been rescued.  

Around 40 doctors from various health centers, including hospitals in Rajkot and Surendranagar, started emergency service treatment at the Morbi Civil Hospital. 

19 people are under treatment at various hospitals and 3 have been referred to Rajkot for further treatment.

(With input from Saurabh Vaktania)

Several teams of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been working overnight to rescue those who fell into the Machhu river after the bridge collapsed on Sunday evening. So far, 177 people have been rescued. 

The rescue team includes five NDRF teams consisting of 110 officials, 149 SDRF officials, a team of Jamnagar Garuda Commando, 50 divers from the Indian Army deployed in nearby areas and, 20 rescue boats. 

Additionally, over 25 ambulances from various places arrived at the spot. 

(With input from Saurabh Vaktania)

Sandeep Singh Jhala, the Morbi municipal chief officer, said that the newly-renovated cable bridge was opened without official permission. It was opened to the public on October 26.

The death toll in the bridge collapse accident has risen to more than 100, according to the figures given by the Morbi Civil Hospital. Rescue operations are currently underway to save anyone who fell into the Machhu river. 

Congress' national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate took to Twitter to condemn the tragedy in Gujarat and asked, "Who is responsible for 90 people killed, 100 injured?" She also added that the Morbi bridge was opened without official permission, citing the Morbi Municipal Chief Officer. 

The death toll in the bridge collapse accident has risen to more than 90. Rescue operations are currently underway to save anyone who fell into the Machhu river.

The Gujarat Congress' 'Parivartan Sankalp Yatra' which was to be launched on Monday has been postponed for a day in the wake of the Morbi bridge collapse incident. 

The yatra was initially planned to be held in five zones in the poll-bound state. 

(With input from Saurabh Vaktania)

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel arrived at the hospital where the injured from the bridge collapse accident were admitted. 

The Indian Naval Station Valsura in Gujarat's Jamnagar has sent a team of more than 40 personnel for rescue operations, including marine commandos and seamen who are good swimmers, said defence officials. 

An Indian Air Force (IAF) airplane with a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has taken off for relief ops to Morbi. According to defence officials, another aircraft will be sent in an hour’s time.

The officials added that helicopters are on stand-by for rescue ops in Jamnagar and other nearby locations. Garud commandos have been sent from Bhuj and other locations to Morbi. 

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel has arrived at the site where the bridge collapsed. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's program of Page Samiti at Gandhinagar has been postponed in the wake of the tragic Morbi bridge collapse incident. The program was to be held on November 1. PM Modi was to virtually address BJP workers at 182 constituencies.

Two more NDRF teams are being airlifted from Vadodara airport to Rajkot airport, NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi.

According to the Civil hospital, at least 77 people have died and 15 people were admitted for treatment in different hospitals. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's public road show scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on Monday has been cancelled. Only the prime minister will attend the launch program.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to Twitter and extended his condolences. He also appealed Congress workers in Gujarat to extend all possible assistance in the rescue work and helping the wounded.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Morbi bridge collapse. 

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragic Morbi bridge collapse incident in Gujarat and said that relief and rescue efforts will bring succour to the victims.

More than 60 bodies have been recovered, of which more are of children, women and elderly. The rest have been rescued. The NDRF rescue operations are underway. We are taking this matter very seriously, it is very saddening: Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, BJP MP from Rajkot

To inquire about family members trapped or missing in the Morbi hanging bridge collapse, contact the Disaster Control Room of the District Collector's Office at 02822-243300.

A five-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the tragic Morbi bridge collapse incident. One IAS officer of municipal administration, chief engineer to check quality control, structural engineer, secretary road and building and IG CID crime will be part of the SIT.

Meanwhile, PM Modi, who is in Gujarat on a 3-day visit, has instructed the state machinery to rush all help to Morbi administration and speed up rescue and emergency medical services.

Gujarat Minister Brijesh Merja has informed that the death toll in Morbi cable bridge collapse has now reached 60.

We are really saddened by the tragedy in Morbi. PM Modi called me to ask about the situation & Gujarat CM is taking stock too. Local leaders are also working to help the injured people," Merja, who is present at the incident spot, said while speaking to reporters.

At least 32 people, including children and women, were killed and several were injured after a hanging bridge on the Machhu dam in Gujarat's Morbi district collapsed on Sunday evening, triggering a nationwide panic. Rescue and medical emergency personnel were rushed to the spot soon after the incident came to light. According to local authorities, the bridge was closed for the last two years and was reopened five days ago after renovation. Gujarat Health minister Harsh Sanghavi informed that there were around 150 people on the bridge when the incident took place. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse. Those injured will get compensation of Rs 500.