In Morbi, Gujarat, a festive atmosphere turned to tragedy when a pedestrian suspension bridge collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 135 individuals. The bridge, which had undergone recent renovations and was reopened to the public shortly prior to the collapse, attracted large numbers of visitors celebrating the festival season, particularly during Diwali. Eyewitness accounts noted that the bridge began to sway before it ultimately gave way, leading to a chaotic scene where many people fell into the river beneath. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and recover the victims, facing challenges including the swift current and the large number of casualties.

The collapse raised serious concerns about the infrastructure in Gujarat, especially regarding the maintenance of public spaces and the adherence to safety protocols following renovations. Investigations were initiated into the cause of the collapse, and the incident prompted discussions surrounding accountability for such structural failures. The local government faced criticism for allowing large crowds on a bridge that was reportedly not thoroughly inspected post-renovation. This incident highlighted the broader issues of urban development, safety regulations, and disaster preparedness in India.

Reactions to the tragedy intensified calls for stricter enforcement of engineering standards and heightened attention to old and newly constructed infrastructure. As the investigation unfolded, the local community mourned the loss of life and began looking for answers regarding the safety of their public spaces, seeking both justice for the victims and assurance of future safety measures.