The prime minister said a commission had also been set up to investigate the accident.
New Delhi:
A day after at least 141 people died following the collapse of a British-era bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said rescue and relief operations had gone on since yesterday and the Center was expanding every state aid.
Prime Minister Modi said while in pain, but also must follow the path of duty.
“I’m in Ekta Nagar, but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely in my life have I been able to experience such pain. On the one hand it’s heartache and on the other, yes” The road to duty,” he said while addressing the people at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Kevadia, where he paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birthday anniversary.
“My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. In this hour of grief, the government will be with the bereaved family by all means,” he added.
The prime minister said a commission had also been set up to investigate the accident.
Calling everyone to unite in this tragic time, he said we need to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel, who has done his job despite facing challenges from all regions.
The Prime Minister also made sure that the authorities are always on alert even in the hospital where the injured are being treated. “Priority is being made to ensure that people face minimal problems,” he said.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday is considered as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day.
About 500 people, including women and children, were on the suspension bridge when the cables supporting it broke, sending everyone into the river below. Many people are performing Chhath puja on the 150-year-old bridge, located 300 km from Ahmedabad.
The bridge over the Machchhu River was closed for seven months for repairs. It was reopened to the public on October 26, Gujarati New Year. The person who upgraded the centuries-old bridge did not receive a safety certificate before reopening, Sandipsinh Zala, head of the local city agency told NDTV.
