At least 132 people were killed after a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed into a river in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said.
The 230-metre bridge in Morbi, built during the 19th century, had recently reopened to the public after being closed for six months for renovations.
Authorities said the structure fell into the Machchu river because it could not handle the weight of the large crowd.
India: Several people fell in the river after the bridge in Gujarat's collapsed pic.twitter.com/3S5sjObgIl
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) October 30, 2022
It was not immediately clear exactly how many people were on the 232-metre (761-foot)-long bridge, but officials fear the death toll could rise. State minister Harsh Sanghvi told reporters that 132 people have died so far and many were admitted to hospitals in critical condition.
Video footage shows dozens of people clinging onto the bridge as it became submerged in the water, while others could be seen attempting to swim to safety.
India’s president Droupadi Murmu wrote on Twitter: “The tragedy in Morbi, Gujarat has left me worried. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people.
“Relief and rescue efforts will bring succour to the victims.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident.
Modi, who is in his home state Gujarat for a three-day visit, said he has directed the state chief minister to mobilise teams for the rescue operation. The prime minister also announced compensation for families of the victims.
The state government has also formed a special team to investigate the disaster.
A vote for Gujarat’s state government, led by Modi’s party, is expected in the coming months. Opposition parties have demanded an investigation into the collapse, saying that the bridge was reopened without safety clearance. The claim could not be independently verified.
State minister Brijesh Merja said emergency responders and rescue workers were searching for the survivors and those killed and injured were mostly teens, women and older people.
Teams from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force were also dispatched to help with the rescue.
“A rescue operation is under way,” Merja was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.
“There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals.”
