In a monumental tragic incident, at least 141 people died after a century-old suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city collapsed on Sunday evening. While a section of people were celebrating Chhath Puja, Morbi Bridge Collapse came as an absolute shocker for the entire of India. Multiple Morbi bridge collapse videos went viral after that and netizens were shocked after seeing the horrific footage. In fact, PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those injured. Now the question arises, what was the reason behind Morbi bridge collapse or let's say Morbi Bridge collapse reason? Here are a few points which cannot be missed-
1) Morbi bridge was closed for the last six months then why was it opened in so much hurry?
Reportedly, the Morbi bridge was closed for renovation and repair work for the last six months. It was reopened for the public on October 26 in view of Diwali and other festivities. Over the years, it has undergone several rounds of repair and renovation work. Turning back the clock more, the bridge was commissioned on 20 February 1879, therefore being 143 years old it has been repaired multiple times. The opposition parties especially Congress have accused the Gujarat Government to open the bridge in a hurry just to get an electoral advantage. For the unversed, Gujarat is all set to undergo state assembly elections.
2) Was any fitness certificate given to Morbi bridge?
Reportedly, the Morbi bridge was not given any fitness report after the renovation, however, it was reopened in view of Gujarati New Year, which is celebrated a day after Diwali. A private trust had undertaken the repair work and opened it without submitting the fitness certificate. Under a bridge's fitness report, experts check its strength before opening it. They test how much load can be given to it. Reports further suggest that Sandeep Singh Jhala, chief officer of Morbi's municipality, said that Oreva allowed people to go on the bridge without informing the administration adding that the company neither got them verified by the municipal engineers nor got the fitness specification certificate before opening the bridge. Interestingly, Oreva company MD Jaisukh Patel had announced the commissioning of the bridge in a press conference. Now, the question arises why did the municipal council of the region did not stop the commissioning or raised questions over it?
3) What is the Oreva group and how it is linked to the Morbi bridge?
Morbi Bridge Collapse pre-planned? Pre-mishap video shows people deliberately shaking bridge
This historic bridge of Morbi was under the authority of the municipality of the city. The municipality had entrusted the responsibility of its repair to the Ajanta Oreva Group. Notably, the company is mainly a manufacturer of electronic watches, calculators, home appliances, and LED bulbs. Oreva was the first to start selling LED bulbs with one year warranty in the country. Notably, two people linked to Oreva Group have been arrested by the SIT formed by Gujarat government.
4) Bridge overcrowded: According to locals and eyewitnesses, the main reason behind the cable snapping was that it was too populated – with about 400 to 500 people. The bridge had a capacity of 150 persons. BJP MP Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, who was on the site, said the victims consisted of many children, women, and elderly. He called the incident 'very saddening' and said they were taking it very seriously.
Morbi Bridge Collapse in a nutshell
On Sunday, at least 132 (during writing this) people were declared dead after a British-era bridge in Gujarat's Morbi collapsed. Some 177 people were also saved and teams are searching for several others who are still missing. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that a criminal case has been registered and a five-member high-powered committee is probing the bridge collapse. "A case has been registered under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and intentional act causing death against whoever is found responsible," he said.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those injured. Gujarat government also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the kin of those who lost their lives and a compensation of Rs 50,00 for those injured in the Morbi bridge collapse.