Over 132 Dead as 100-Year-Old Bridge Collapses Amid Festival Crowd in India (Summary)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] At least 132 people died when an over 100-year-old pedestrian suspension bridge, built by people enjoying a religious festival in western India on the 30th (local time), collapsed due to overcrowding. Local rescue authorities initially reported about 60 deaths, but the number has increased as rescue and search operations continue.

According to AP News and others, the suspension bridge crossing the Machhu River in Morbi, Gujarat state, western India, collapsed that evening, causing people enjoying the festival on the bridge to fall into the river. Indian rescue authorities initially reported at least 60 deaths from the accident. Later, they announced the death toll had risen to 132.

Most of the deceased are believed to have drowned, foreign media reported. The cables supporting the suspension bridge snapped just after sunset, causing the bridge to collapse within seconds, and those on it fell into the river. Authorities estimate that about 150 people, including children, were on the bridge at the time.

Some citizens who fell under the bridge swam out, while others clung to cables and debris from the bridge and crawled up the riverbank, barely surviving. One survivor told local media that they saw many children fall into the river and wanted to rescue them together, but they were swept away by the current or drowned. A local government official said, "Search and rescue operations are ongoing," and the death toll may increase further.

The collapsed bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge 233 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, opened in 1880 during the British colonial era. It was reopened on the 26th after seven months of repairs, but local media NDTV reported that the bridge was seen shaking severely even on the 29th, the day before the accident.

In India, festivals such as Diwali and Chhath Puja are held every October to November. This bridge is considered a local tourist attraction crowded with people during the festival period. About 400 people gathered near the bridge that day, and the accident appears to have occurred due to the sudden influx of tourists.

The Indian government stated in a press release that it is making every effort, deploying 50 navy personnel and 30 air force members for the search for missing persons. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Gujarat’s hometown, expressed "deep sorrow over the tragedy" and took steps to manage the situation. Local state government canceled all planned events nearby and is providing support funds to the victims' families, CNN and others reported.

Meanwhile, AP reported that the bridge collapse in India is the third incident in Asia within a month caused by overcrowding. It cited the Itaewon stampede on the 29th and a stampede at an Indonesian soccer stadium on the 1st as the previous two cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.