Gujarat mourns Morbi bridge collapse deaths; no official event on November 2

The western Indian state of Gujarat on Wednesday (2) observed a state-wide mourning to pay homage to the victims of the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy which happened on Sunday (30).

Flags were flown at half-mast, an official said, adding that no official or entertainment event will be held on Wednesday.

The decision to observe the state-wide mourning was taken on Monday (31) in a meeting chaired by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to review the situation after the tragedy in which 135 people were killed on Sunday evening when the British-era suspension bridge on the Machchhu river collapsed.

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel had in a tweet said no official function will be held on Wednesday.

Modi on Tuesday (1) called for a "detailed and extensive" inquiry into the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy and said its key learnings must be implemented at the earliest.

He visited the collapse site and a local hospital where the injured have been admitted. He also chaired a high-level meeting at Morbi to review the situation, the prime minister's office earlier said.

Key learnings from the inquiry must be implemented at the earliest and authorities must stay in touch with the affected families and ensure they receive all possible help in this tragic hour, the PM said.

[With PTI inputs]