Gujarat Morbi Bridge Collapse, Accident Today News: History, construction date and other details

Gujarat Morbi Bridge Collapse, Accident, Gujarat Morbi Bridge History, Gujarat Morbi Bridge Construction Date: At least 140 people lost their lives after a suspension bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Morbi on Sunday. The more than a century-old bridge (popularly called the jhoolta pool), built over the Machchhu river was reopened for the public just four days back after seven months of repair work by a private firm. However, an official said that the bridge had not received the municipality's "fitness certificate".

"The bridge was given to Oreva company for operation and maintenance for 15 years. In March this year, it was closed for the public for renovation. It reopened after renovation on the Gujarati New Year day celebrated on October 26," said Chief Officer of Morbi Municipality Sandeepsinh Zala.

"It was opened to the public after the completion of the renovation work. But the local municipality had not yet issued any fitness certificate (after the renovation work)," he said.

Gujarat Morbi Bridge Construction Date

An "engineering marvel" built at the turn of the 19th century, the suspension bridge was said to reflect "the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi," as per its description on the district collectorate website.

Gujarat Morbi Bridge History

The bridge was built by Sir Waghji Thakor, who ruled Morbi till 1922 Waghji was inspired by the Colonial influence and decided to construct the bridge, an "artistic and technological marvel" of that period. The bridge was constructed to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty).

The 1.25 metres wide bridge spanned 233 metres, and was meant to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days in Europe, as per the collectorate website.

Morbi Bridge Inauguration Date

The bridge, one of the major attractions for visitor in Morbi town, was recently repaired. The bridge was reopened for visitor on Gujarati new year day  i.e. Ocotber 26, 2022.

Ahmedabad resident alerted about damage to bridge

A family from Ahmedabad had visited the suspension bridge in Gujarat`s Morbi town on Sunday afternoon when few youth were shaking the bridge due to which the former feared that it would damage the bridge so they alerted the security guard on duty but his response was lukewarm.

PM Modi cancels roadshow

According to the news agency ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to cancel his roadshow to be held in Ahmedabad.

4-year-old boy survives, parents die 

A four-year-old boy survived the tragic incident but his parents died. In the accident Hardik and his wife Miral died, whereas Jiyansh was lucky to survive, Jiyansh''s uncle Harsh too has survived and is being treated at a hospital as he has suffered injuries. However, Harsh's wife has also died in the accident.

ALSO READ | Gujarat Morbi bridge collapse, accident news today: Death toll rises to 135; rescue operation underway

With agency inputs