MORBI, India, November (Reuters) – The death toll from a boardwalk collapse in India rose to 135 on Tuesday as relief operations entered on day three, although authorities said the fate of all believed to be missing is almost completed.
The colonial-era bridge over the Machu River in Morbi was packed with visitors enjoying the Diwali and Shahat Puja festivities when it collapsed Sunday evening, sending people into the water from a height of about 10 meters.
Authorities say around 200 people are believed to have been on the bridge when it collapsed.
“One of the injured in the accident died from injuries sustained in the hospital, bringing the death toll to 135,” JT Pandya, a senior Morbi administrative official, told Reuters.
“Research operations resumed today. We believe that one person is missing at the moment.”
Residents of the site told Reuters they believed more than two hundred people were on the bridge and expressed concern that the death toll could rise.
The Indian army, navy and disaster response teams are continuing their searches as residents gathered on the banks of the river near the wreck of the collapsed bridge. The bridge is 233 meters long and 1.25 meters wide. It was initially built in 1877 and closed for six months for repairs until last week.
Indian police on Monday arrested nine people for manslaughter. They include ticket office officials accused of allowing large numbers of people to board the bridge, as well as contractors responsible for the repair work.
The state of Gujarat, where Morbi is located, declared Wednesday a day of mourning.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat and its prime minister for nearly 13 years, will visit the industrial city later on Tuesday.
Officials said Modi, who was on tour in the state, expected to hold elections early next year, was expected to visit the crash site and Morby Hospital.
Opposition parties attacked Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for painting the hospital before the prime minister’s visit, calling it inappropriate.
US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the victims, many of whom were children.
“At this difficult time, we will continue to support and support the Indian people,” Biden said in a statement.
