India: At least 132 killed as bridge packed with holiday sightseers collapses
At least 132 people died when a pedestrian suspension bridge collapsed in India’s western state of Gujarat.
There was overcrowding on the bridge, which had reopened a week ago after repairs on the Machchu river in Morbi, at the time as people celebrated the Diwali festival, officials said.
The death toll is expected to rise further. Reports said several hundred people were on the bridge when it collapsed at around 18:40 India time (13:10 GMT) on Sunday.
Police, military and disaster response teams were deployed and the rescue effort continued through the night. Rescue operations are still underway. More than 177 people have been rescued so far, officials said.
Videos on social media showed dozens clinging onto the wreckage as emergency teams attempted to rescue them. Some survivors clambered up the bridge’s broken netting, and others managed to swim to the river banks. A video shot before the collapse showed it packed with people and swaying and many gripping the netting on its sides.
Gujarat is the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has announced compensation for the families of victims. The authorities have promised a full investigation.
