SC to hear plea demanding judicial enquiry into Morbi bridge tragedy

The Supreme Court has decided to hear public interest litigation (PIL) for a court-monitored judicial enquiry in the Gujarat bridge collapse tragedy. On November 14, the Supreme Court will hear the plea. Vishal Tiwari, a lawyer, filed the PIL.

In Morbi, Gujarat, a bridge collapsed on Sunday night, killing more than 130 people. More than 40 children are among those who perished. Tuesday afternoon would see a visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed in his own state on Sunday. He reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting on Monday night with the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other top officials.

When a sizable crowd of weekend visitors had gathered on Sunday evening amid festive celebrations, the 233 meter-long suspension bridge collapsed. The main reasons of the accident are thought to be overcrowding and shortcomings in the restoration efforts. One of the greatest disasters in recent memory, it ended up being. The bridge had only recently reopened after repairs, and the manufacturing company, Oreva group that was in charge of maintenance is now under investigation.

A five-person committee has been established by the state government to look into the occurrence. Nine persons, including two Oreva Group employees, were arrested on Monday.

The opposition has been calling for a more thorough probe in the meanwhile as the incident occurs just before the state elections.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said a panel – under the supervision of a retired judge – should be formed for the probe.