Morbi Mishap Pained but has a duty: PM Modi on Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday expressed his grief over the loss of over 100 lives in the bridge collapse that occurred in Gujarat's Morbi.
Attending a programme in Gujarat's Kevadia, Modi said, "I am in Ekta Nagar but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely in my life have I experienced such pain."
"On one hand, I have a pained heart while I have a duty on the other hand," the Prime Minister said, paying floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbai Patel on his birth anniversary.
"I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives," he added.
Over 150 people have so far been rescued after the British-era bridge, which was reopened after renovation last week, collapsed Sunday evening.
Reports claim the bridge was in operation even without the fitness certificate.
The mishap occurred when over 500 people had assembled on the bridge to perform Chhath Puja rituals.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had visited the spot as well as the hospital where the injured are under treatment.
Both Patel and Prime Minister Modi, who is also a former Chief Minister, have announced ex-gratia for the deceased's families.
The Prime Minister Monday said a committee has been set up to probe the incident that has brought the state government under the scanner ahead of the assembly elections.
