Categories: World

India: The video of the moment the bridge collapses is shocking

India: The video of the moment the bridge collapses is shocking

The moment a suspension footbridge in India collapsed, killing 134 people, including many children, in one of the worst accidents in the country’s history in 10 years is shocking.

Footage shortly before the collapse shows a group of young men taking pictures and moments later falling into the water as the cables holding the bridge gave way. The footbridge, over the Machchhu River in the center of Morbi town, was packed with worshipers taking part in Diwali celebrations, Reuters reports.

About 35 victims were under the age of 14, according to a list of the dead seen by Reuters, and 170 people had been rescued by morning. The bridge had just reopened to the public after months of maintenance work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of the victims. “In this hour of grief, the government is in every way with the bereaved families,” he said.

The footbridge is 1.25 m wide and spans 233 m long connecting the heritage hotel Darbargadh Palace to the city. It was built in 1877, when India was a British colony.

Source: News Beast