31 die after truck falls from bridge in Gujarat

Thirty-one people were killed and seven were in critical condition after the truck they were travelling in fell into a drain on the Rajkot-Bhavnagar highway near Ranghola village around 7.45am on Tuesday.

According to police, the truck was carrying people from Anida village to a wedding in Botad district.

Most of the victims were women and children.

Immediately after the accident, locals informed police and fire brigade. Many people were trapped under the truck that had overturned.

IM Sayed, in-charge Superintendent of Bhavnagar police, said, "The primary investigation has revealed that the accident took place when the driver tried to overtake another vehicle on the bridge."

"Twenty-six people died on the spot, while five died at the hospital during treatment. Seven, including three women, are critical," Sayed noted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the incident. "My condolences to all those who lost their loved ones due to an accident near Ranghola in Gujarat. The accident was extremely unfortunate and anguishing. May those who have been injured recover at the earliest," read a PMO tweet.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered an inquiry and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of dead.