As expectations of finding more survivors dwindle, a rescue effort that was launched when a pedestrian suspension bridge fell in Gujarat, a state in western India, has been cut back.
According to officials, 141 people died after the bridge fell on Sunday night, the majority of whom were women, children, or the elderly.
Just a week prior, the building in Morbi town had reopened following repairs.
The bridge, a popular tourist destination in Morbi, was crowded at the time, according to officials.
According to a police spokesperson, eight persons are being questioned by police about the event. Both security staff and ticket dealers were interrogated.
It has been questioned as to why Oreva Group, which formerly referred to itself as the “world’s largest clock manufacturing company” before diversifying into the production of TV sets, lighting items, battery-powered bikes, and household appliances, was given the duty of maintaining a bridge.
Additionally, questions have been raised regarding whether safety checks were performed before the bridge being reopened.
The 230m (754ft)-long Machchhu River Bridge was constructed in 1880, at the height of British administration in India.
There were between 400 and 500 people on the bridge when the disaster occurred at roughly 18:40 (13:10 GMT) on Sunday, according to estimations.
On Monday morning, divers from the Indian navy stood by while a dozen boats manned by members of the national and state disaster response teams looked for survivors.
Rescue workers searched beneath the debris for bodies that might be trapped and four cranes were used to remove them.
Numerous people were spotted clinging to the wreckage after the event as rescue workers worked to free them. Some of the survivors managed to climb the shattered net of the bridge, while others were able to swim to the banks of the river.
Rescuers opened a small check dam on the river, approximately 500 meters downstream, early on Monday to lessen the water flow.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has pledged compensation for the families of victims, is from the state of Gujarat. He expressed his “great sadness” over the tragedy.
He further stated that a committee had been formed to look into the collapse.
