Gujarat Bridge Collapse: PM Modi To Visit Morbi Tomorrow, Russian Prez Putin Offers Condolences To Bereaved

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat's Morbi tomorrow. He expressed grief over the loss of lives during a speech at the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat's Morbi tomorrow (November 1). "The Prime Minister will visit Morbi tomorrow afternoon on 1st," Gujarat Chief Minister's Office informed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences as he sought to convey words of sympathy and support to the families of the deceased.  

"Esteemed Mrs President, Mr. Prime Minister, kindly accept deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the collapse of the bridge in Gujarat. Please convey words of sympathy and support to families of deceased and wishes of speedy recovery to all injured in the catastrophe," news agency ANI quoted Putin as stating.

A suspension bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Morbi city on Sunday, which claimed over 130 lives including women and children. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed by the Gujarat Police in the bridge collapse incident in Gujarat's Morbi district against private agencies for attempt to commit culpable homicide and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

"We have held a couple of people from the management and are questioning them," news agency ANI quoted Rahul Tripathi, SP Morbi as saying.

Earlier today, PM Modi participated in the National Unity Day programme in Kevadiya, Gujarat on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He paid tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue Of Unity in Gujarat’s Kevadia. During the event, PM Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives after the pedestrian suspension Morbi bridge collapsed on the Machchu river killing more than 130 people.

“I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. In this hour of grief, Government is with the bereaved families in every manner,” PM Modi said. Gujarat Govt is carrying out relief and rescue ops since yesterday. Centre too is extending all help to the State Govt, he added.

PM Modi also said that his mind is with the victims of Morbi. He said that on one hand, there is a pain-riddled heart and on the other hand, there is the path to duty. “I am in Ekta Nagar but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely in my life, would I have experienced such pain,” PM Modi said.

Speaking about the rescue operations that are going on after the bridge collapse, PM Modi said that the Gujarat Government has constituted a committee to investigate this incident and he also assured the people of the country that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations.