New Delhi: About 135 people died in the bridge collapse tragedy, while more than 100 others were admitted and are under treatment after a colonial-era cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi town on October 30, 2022 evening, plunging over 350 people into the river. Many children, women and elderly people are among the dead.

The 230m (754ft) bridge on the Machchhu river was built in 1880, during British rule in India. The 140-year-old suspension bridge - a major local tourist attraction - had been reopened only last week after being repaired.

Concerns have also been raised about whether safety checks were carried out before the bridge was reopened.

Questions have been raised over why Oreva Group, a company which once described itself as the “world’s largest clock manufacturing company” - before it also began making lighting products, battery-operated bikes, home appliances and TV sets - was given responsibility for maintaining a bridge.

Condolence message by Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge on the tragic collapse of bridge in Morbi, Gujarat. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of hundreds of people who died in the bridge collapse at Morbi, Gujarat – a grave human tragedy. He is deeply saddened to learn that most of the dead were children, women and elderly people.

After learning of the travesty, Shri Kharge immediately took stock of the situation last night, spoke to senior leaders of Gujarat Pradesh Congress and urged them to ensure that members of the Congress Party and frontal organizations help in rescue and relief work in every possible way.

Shri Kharge prayed for the complete and quick recovery of all those injured.

Shri Kharge expects the government of Gujarat to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured and to search for all those still missing besides providing appropriate financial assistance to the families of the bereaved and injured. He also demanded a judicial inquiry to investigate the cause of this accident, which prima facie seems to be a case of criminal negligence and gross mis-governance. He also asserted that this is not the time for politicking, but the responsibility of this tragic accident must be fixed and the guilty must be brought to book, only then can such incidents be prevented in the future.

He has assured the people of Gujarat that the Congress Party stands in solidarity with them.

In a twitter message by former Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi, he said, “The news of the bridge accident in Morbi, Gujarat, is disheartening. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families in such difficult times. I appeal to all Congress workers to extend all possible help to the injured and also help in the rescue and relief work.’

In another tweeted message by Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, she said, “The news of the accident in Morbi, Gujarat due to the collapse of the bridge is saddening. May God give place to the departed souls at His lotus feet. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish all the injured to be safe and secure’.