TW: Mentions of death, and homicide
On the evening of October 30, 2022 following recent renovations, the Gujarat Bridge along the Machchhu River collapsed, plunging many citizens into the river. The 137-year-old pedestrian bridge’s cable appeared to have snapped. With 200 people on the bridge at that moment, the death toll has now reached 135, 54 of them being children.
Families of victims and witnesses of this incident were left shocked. “I can't get a proper answer,” said Jayeshbhai in an interview with the BBC, whose friend is still missing from the accident. According to eyewitnesses, they saw 50–60 people hanging from the bridge when it collapsed. Luckily, most of them were rescued. Caretakers at crematoriums, graveyards and forensic officials claimed to have never seen such a substantial influx of deaths in such a short span since 1979.
On November 2nd, 2022, the state of Gujarat observed a state-wide mourning in the wake of the tragedy. Flags were flown at half-mast and official and/or entertainment events were postponed as those in the state paid their respects and condolences to the victims and their families. Affected families have been financially compensated for this accident by the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Nine people, all of who work with OREVA Contracting on Gujarat Bridge’s renovations, have been arrested for suspected culpable homicide and are currently being investigated for connections to this tragedy. Citizens, witnesses, and government officials have all claimed that it was in the hands of the administrators of the bridge’s negligence that resulted in this “massive corruption.”
As of November 3rd, no additional deaths or missing persons have been found since the previous day, thus concluding the active search operation by first responders. However, first responders, including the Indian Army, the Navy, the Air Force, response forces, and the fire department, will remain at the site of the accident until further notice. Underwater cameras and sonar technology monitored by first responders will still be in use for searching remaining survivors and bodies.
Editors: Chris F., Leandra S., Lang D.
Photo Credits: Rafiq Maqbool/AP
This article was originally written in November 2022