News
Overcrowded bridge collapses in India killing 135, now Nine are arrested as responsible
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#India, November 2, 2022 – Nine people have been arrested over another mass casualty incident that has shocked the world, this time in the Gujarat province of India after a newly renovated bridge collapsed killing 135 people, including dozens of children.
The Morbi Hanging Bridge was a narrow pedestrian bridge built during British rule in the 1900’s and is believed to be over a hundred years old. A major tourist attraction simply listed as the “Hanging Bridge” it is described as “a nostalgic reminder of Victorian London” on the Gujarat Tourism website. 
After months long repairs by the Ajanta-Oreva Group, a hired contractor, which began back in April it was supposed to be stable. Indian Journalist Himanshi Dahiya shared a video of one of the men in charge speaking at a press event on October 26th in which he says, “The bridge won’t need any major repair work for at least 8-10 years now.” This is according to local media Oreva’s first construction project.
Days later on October 30th, it collapsed plunging hundreds of people into the river below. The situation was compounded by the fact that the collapse happened late evening when it was already getting dark.
CBC (Canada) video showed a massive crowd gathered all along the thin walkway while it sways under the insistent shaking of some young men. Unconfirmed reports are that the bridge was overloaded, way past its capacity.
International media say police have released information about those arrested, two apparently work as managers, while two work as ticket booking clerks all employed by Oreva at the bridge.
Rescuers worked all night, some swimming, some in boats hauling people to shore but they could not save everyone.
One man told the BBC he was on the bridge for the first time with his six year old sister, he still cannot find her. A senior police official told Reuters that about 200 people were on the bridge when it collapsed.
Above the now collapsed bridge hangs a blue sign displaying “Oreva”.