The national flag was flown at half-staff in official buildings on Wednesday as Gujarat, India, grieved the deaths of 135 people caused by a bridge collapse over the weekend. Public gatherings, receptions, and entertainment events were also postponed.
Even though local officials reported on Tuesday that only one person was believed to be missing yet, a government control room indicated that rescue workers will keep looking for any unaccounted persons for a fourth day.
Around the time of the Chhath Puja and Diwali festivals, the colonial-era suspension footbridge in Morbi town, which spans the Machchhu river, was crowded with tourists. On Sunday evening, it gave way, sending individuals falling about 10 metres (33 feet) into the water.
Flags are lowered as India’s Gujarat region laments a fatal bridge collapse
Bhupendra Patel, the chief minister of Gujarat, has urged residents of his state to offer prayers for the departed and their loved ones.
Ashok Bhai Jindani, a 55-year-old native of Morbi, burnt incense in front of deity statues in his shoe store in the heart of the bustling small business district.
I shall ask God to grant them and their families serenity in memory of the ones who have passed away, Jindani stated.
“After two days, the shop owners in this area have today reopened. We’ll check to see if everyone from our neighbouring businesses can gather in the evening and travel to the civil hospital to pray together.”
This Monday, a senior police official told Reuters that when the bridge collapsed, there were roughly 200 people on it. Tickets for roughly 400 individuals, but not necessary to be on the bridge at the same time, according to local municipality officials, had been sold.
Nine persons have been detained by police in connection with the catastrophe.
