PM Modi visits Morbi bridge collapse site, inspects rescue operation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, visited the site of the tragedy in Morbi on November 1. He also inspected the ongoing search and rescue operation on the Machchhu river. 

Yesterday, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting on the tragic incident and instructed authorities to extend all possible help to people affected by it. The high-level meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary and DGP of Gujarat, along with other top officials, including from the Home Department of the state and Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority.

The famous Morbi cable suspension bridge collapsed on October 30 and claimed the lives of at least 135 people. Search and rescue operations are underway in the Machchhu river. The deceased people included women and children. More than 100 people sustained minor and severe injuries after the cable bridge collapsed on Sunday, plunging people into the Machchhu River. 

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 emphasised on ensuring that those affected get all possible assistance, a PMO release said.

The Prime Minister had said earlier that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations. Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee headed to probe the bridge collapse incident. Nine persons including officials of Oreva, the company that renovated the bridge, ticket sellers and security men have been arrested for the Morbi bridge collapse.