At Least 133 Dead in Gujarat Disaster, Raising Questions About Safety
A tragic disaster unfolded on Sunday in the Indian state of Gujarat when the 143-year-old cable suspension bridge collapsed, becoming one of the country’s most devastating incidents in recent years. The bridge, which had been considered state-of-the-art technology when it was built, saw its cables snap and walkway collapse under the weight of hundreds of sightseers. As of Monday evening, at least 133 people were confirmed dead, 177 others injured, and many more missing.
Located in the town of Morbi, the bridge, known locally as the “jhoolta pool” or swinging bridge, was 1.25 meters (4 feet) wide and 233 meters (764 feet) long. It was first inaugurated in 1879 during British colonial rule. Despite being built using the latest European technology at the time, this tragedy has raised serious concerns about the structural integrity and safety measures in place.
