Morbi Bridge Tragedy Archives - Lokmarg

Gujarat Poll: BJP Candidate, Who Saved Lives In Morbi Tragedy Leads

By LokMarg 8th December 2022

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kantilal Amrutia, who reportedly saved several lives when a bridge collapsed in Morbi in October, is leading from the seat in the votes count for the Gujarat Assembly polls.

According to the latest data by the Election Commission received till 11.30 am, Amrutia is leading on the seat having secured 37,598 votes. Congress candidate Patel Jayantilal Jerajbhai is trailing on the second spot with 23,328 votes so far while the third spot is held by Aam Aadmi Party’s Pankaj Kantilal Ransariya with 8,147 votes.
The BJP candidate has got 54.19 percent votes so far, according to the EC data.

In the total tally from the Gujarat Assembly poll, BJP, at this time, is leading on 152 seats, Congress on 17, and AAP on 7 seats.

The campaigning in the constituency took place amid the allegations of mismanagement against the BJP in connection with the Morbi tragedy.

The Opposition tried to use the tragic issue to slam the government in a high-decibel campaign, however, the trends suggest that they failed to influence the voters on the issue.

The tragedy was called by the Supreme Court an “enormous tragedy”.

Earlier in November, the locals, while speaking to ANI had said that the Morbi tragedy was unlikely to dent the BJP’s chances in the state elections as they believed that the party was not responsible for the tragedy.

The incident took place weeks ahead of the announcement of the elections in the state, triggering speculations of a political setback for the ruling BJP in the state due to the massive mishap in Morbi.

But people are of the opinion that they have been witnessing development under the BJP for a number of years and one should not judge the performance of the party based on a single tragic incident.

In the Morbi incident, a total of 134 persons, including women and children, died when a British-era cable bridge over the Machchu river collapsed on October 30.

BJP fielded five-time MLA Kantilal Amritiya, popularly known as Kanabhai, who had won the Morbi assembly seat in 1995, 1998, 2002, 2007, and 2012.

Morbi is dominated by Patidars and by naming Kanti Amrutiya as the party’s candidate, BJP’s prospects are unlikely to get upset. (ANI)

SC: Morbi Bride Collapse Incident Was An Enormous Tragedy

By LokMarg 21st November 2022

The Supreme Court on Monday said that the Morbi Bride collapse incident which claimed over 140 lives was an “enormous tragedy” and asked the Gujarat High Court which is already hearing a suo motu case on the same issue, to hold periodical hearings.

“It is an enormous tragedy and this will require weekly monitoring to see the award of contract, credential of the party awarded the contract, attribution of responsibility for those guilty,” observed a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli.
The apex court noted that a division bench headed by the Gujarat High Court Chief Justice has already taken a suo motu note of the incident and has passed three orders, it will not hear the petitions as of now.

It asked petitioners to approach the High Court with their pleas seeking an independent probe and award of dignified compensation to those who lost their family members.

The British-era bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi collapsed on October 30 leaving over 140 dead including 47 children.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by the person who lost his two relatives in the incident, seeking a CBI probe, award of dignified compensation to those who lost their family members, the need to fix responsibility against officials of the Nagar Palika and that the agency entrusted to maintain the bridge is held accountable.

It was also hearing a PIL seeking direction to appoint a judicial commission under the supervision of a retired top court judge to initiate a probe on the Morbi Bridge collapse incident.

During the hearing, the bench said the Gujarat High Court had already taken suo motu cognisance of the Morbi bridge collapse on October 30 hence it wouldn’t hear the case. It said the High Court would “undoubtedly be seized of ensuring a regulatory mechanism so that such incidents do not recur.”

“We are of the view that the High Court would also bring to bear its time and attention on other aspects of the matter which have been highlighted above while recording the submissions of the learned counsel of the petitioner,” the bench stated in its order.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, submitted that the High Court has already taken note of the issue and that the petitioner can raise the issues there.

More than 140 people died and over 100 people were injured due to the collapse of the suspension bridge over the Morbi Macchu river.

As per reports, the bridge was closed for about 8 months for maintenance and the repair work was being completed by a private agency.

The Gujarat Police has filed a First Information Report under IPC sections 304 and 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in the bridge collapse tragedy.

The Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee headed to probe the bridge collapse incident. (ANI)

Morbi Tragedy Brought Shame To Gujarat: Chidambaram

By LokMarg 8th November 2022

Veteran Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday said the bridge collapse in Morbi has painted a bad picture of Gujarat and the most shocking part was that no one from the government apologized for the tragedy.

“Morbi bridge collapse has brought shame to the fair name of Gujarat…The most shocking development is that no one, on behalf of the govt, has apologized for the tragedy. No one has resigned from taking responsibility,” Chidambaram told reporters.
At least 135 people were killed and over 100 injured after a cable suspension bridge in Morbi town collapsed on October 30, plunging people into the Machchhu river.m

Further, when asked about prospects of emerging parties (such as AAP) contesting elections in Gujarat, Chidambaram said no one would vote for the party after seeing Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.

“If you’ve lived in Delhi as long as I’ve lived and if you believe the air in Delhi (is poor), you’ll not vote for Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat,” said Chidambaram. (ANI)

Morbi Municipal Corporation Chief Officer Suspended

By LokMarg 4th November 2022

Chief Officer of Morbi Nagar Palika Sandipsinh Zala, has been suspended over dereliction in the Morbi mishap, where a century-old bridge collapsed, sources said on Friday.

The administration of Gujarat’s Morbi suspended the Chief Officer of Morbi Nagar Palika Sandipsinh Zala, following an investigation.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the bridge collapse site in Gujarat’s Morbi.

The Prime Minister met those who were involved in rescue and relief operations at the Machchhu river bridge collapse site. PM Modi, along with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel also visited the Civil Hospital in Morbi to meet the injured.

At least 135 people, including women and children, were killed and over 100 are receiving treatment for their injuries sustained after a cable suspension bridge in Morbi town collapsed on Sunday, plunging people into the Machchhu River.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar, on Monday to review the situation in Morbi.

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.

Prime Minister emphasized ensuring that those affected get all possible assistance, a PMO release said.

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 Prime Minister had said earlier that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations.

The Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee 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.

In the latest development, the search and rescue operation was called off on Thursday night, five days after a 143-year-old suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchu river claiming at least 135 lives, said the official.

State Commissioner of Relief Harshad Patel said that no more victims were reported missing so the rescue operation was called off. (ANI)

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Morbi Bridge Collapse: Oreva Group Manager Calls It An Act of God

By LokMarg 2nd November 2022

In a major turn in the Morbi bridge collapse case in Gujarat, the Additional Public Prosecutor of the case made a huge revelation, saying that one of the accused managers of the Oreva company cited an ” Act of God” in the court as a reason for the tragic mishap.

“One of the two managers of Oreva company (that have been arrested) told the court that it is an ‘Act of God,” said Additional Public Prosecutor, Advocate HS Panchal.
Another major revelation came up to the fore that the cable wires of the bridge were not in the ideal condition to be opened for the general masses and were “rusting away”.

“In the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, the Investigating Officer (IO) said that the cable (of the bridge)was rusting away. The Investigating Officer says that only flooring of the bridge was done and the cables were not changed, oiling-greasing also wasn’t done,” Advocate HS Panchal said. Adding that Prima facie, the FSL officer says that it was an old cable.

Asked about details of the accused sent to police custody today, Panchal said, “Out of the 4 people who were sent to Police custody, two are managers at Oreva Co and two others did fabrication work for the bridge. The five others who were sent to judicial custody are security personnel and ticket vendors.”

“In the report, the Investigating Officer (IO) stated that the tender process did not take place and contract was directly allotted,” Advocate Panchal further said.

Out of nine persons arrested pertaining to the October 30 collapse of the century-old suspension bridge, killing 135 people, Gujarat’s Morbi Court on Wednesday has sent four people to police custody and the remaining five into judicial custody till November 5.

Of the four persons in police custody, two are managers of the Oreva company, which threw the bridge open for visitors after seven months of maintenance works, and the other two are fabrication work contractor’s people.

Speaking on the ongoing investigation, Rahul Tripathi, SP Morbi, said, “We are questioning all the four accused in our custody and we are trying to establish the liability of the different kinds of lapses in the bridge renovation. We are doing a thorough investigation and if anyone’s role comes forward, he or she will be booked and arrested.”

He added further, “Yes, We have given a scientific report to the court but details of the same can’t be shared with you at this stage as this will hamper our investigation.”

The Gujarat Police has filed a First Information Report under IPC sections 304 and 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in the bridge collapse tragedy.

Earlier, the Gujarat government constituted a five-member committee to probe the bridge collapse incident.

“An FIR has been registered against the maintenance and management agencies of the bridge, under Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and 114 (abettor present when the offense is committed) of the India Penal Code,” said Morbi B Division Police Inspector, Prakashbhai Dekavadiya.

Briefing media persons here, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said, “The death toll in the Morbi hanging bridge collapse incident has gone up to 132. The Chief Minister has constituted a high power committee yesterday itself while leaving Ahmedabad. All officers, posted at different locations, were asked to report at Morbi by 2 am. The investigation is going on.”

The Gujarat Home Minister further informed that a criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident.

“An investigation has begun today under the leadership of Range IGP,” Sanghavi said. Everyone worked all through the night. The Navy, NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force), Air Force, and Army arrived at the spot quickly. More than 200 persons have worked the entire night for search and rescue operations,” Sanghavi said.

The search and rescue operation is underway in the Machchhu river.

“According to the information received from the district administration, one or two people are still missing. We are carrying out search operation along with other agencies. 5 teams of NDRF are working here,” Prasanna Kumar, NDRF commandant said today. (ANI)

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Morbi Bridge: Modi Chairs High-Level Meeting

By LokMarg 1st November 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting in Morbi, Gujarat to review the situation in the wake of the unfortunate bridge mishap killing at least 135 people.

The Prime Minister stated that the authorities must stay in touch with the affected families and ensure that they receive all possible help in this tragic hour.
According to a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the rescue operation and the assistance provided to those affected.

PM Modi said the need of the hour is to conduct a detailed and extensive inquiry that will identify all aspects relating to this mishap. He also added that the key learnings from the inquiry must be implemented at the very earliest.

Those present at the meeting were CM Bhupendra Patel, state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Minister Brijesh Merja, Chief Secretary of Gujarat, State DGP, local Collector, SP, Inspector General of Police, MLAs and MPs and other officials.

Earlier, upon reaching Morbi, the Prime Minister visited the site of the bridge mishap. He went to the Morbi Civil Hospital where the injured are recovering.

He also interacted with those involved in rescue and relief work and lauded their fortitude.

The search and rescue operation is underway in the Machchhu river.

The 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. (ANI)

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9 Arrested In Morbi Bridge Tragedy

By LokMarg 31st October 2022

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 in Gujarat.

“We arrested nine people after filing FIR under various sections of IPC. The arrested includes the managers of Oreva company and ticket clerks,” said Ashok Yadav, IG, Rajkot range.
“As and when we get evidence, police will nab the accused further. We have also formed a Special Investigation team pertaining to the incident,” he added.

More than 134 people died and about 100 people were injured due to the collapse of the suspension bridge over the Morbi Macchu river on Sunday.

The Gujarat Police has filed a First Information Report under IPC sections 304 and 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in the bridge collapse tragedy.

The Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee headed to probe the bridge collapse incident.

“An unfortunate incident took place in Morbi, we pay our condolences. We filed an FIR under various sections of IPC against all the accused to take stringent action. Police & locals mobilized and helped in the rescue operation,” the IG said.

“An FIR has been registered against the maintenance and management agencies of the bridge, under Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and 114 (abettor present when offense is committed) of the India Penal Code,” said Morbi B Division Police Inspector, Prakashbhai Dekavadiya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Morbi in Gujarat on Tuesday, the state chief minister’s office announced today.

Prime Minister Modi, who is in Kevadia said that rescue operations were underway and there would be no laxity in rescue and relief efforts.

“The Gujarat Government has been carrying out relief and rescue operations since yesterday. Centre too is extending all help to the State Government,” PM Modi said.

Briefing mediapersons here, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said, “The death toll in the Morbi hanging bridge collapse incident has gone up to 132. The Chief Minister has constituted a high power committee yesterday itself while leaving Ahmedabad. All officers, posted at different locations, were asked to report at Morbi by 2 am. The investigation is going on.”

The Gujarat Home Minister further informed that a criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident.

“An investigation has begun today under the leadership of Range IGP,” Sanghavi said. Everyone worked all through the night. The Navy, NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force), Air Force and Army arrived at the spot quickly. More than 200 persons have worked the entire night for search and rescue operations,” Sanghavi said.

“Indian Army is fully committed to assisting civil admin & all other agencies for HADR (Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief) ops to prevent loss of lives, treatment of survivors & further retrieval of remaining bodies as part of search ops,” as per sources.

The columns immediately got into the NDRF, SDRF & state fire services boats & assisted in search operations. Four medical columns assisted in the treatment of survivors in three hospitals viz. the govt civil hospital, Krishna hospital, and Ayush hospital, as per sources. (ANI)

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