The death toll from a suspension bridge collapse in western India has risen to at least 132. Many others were taken to hospitals in critical condition, Gujarat State Minister Harsch Sanghvi said on Monday. Officials therefore feared that the number of victims could rise sharply. According to authorities, the bridge’s suspension cables gave way when around 500 people were on or near the bridge for religious rituals.
People reportedly fell into the Machchu River in the Indian state of Gujarat when the bridge collapsed. According to authorities, a rescue operation was initiated. Gujarat’s Interior Minister Harsh Sanghavi said more than 70 people had been rescued. Images and videos posted on social media showed the structure appearing to be falling apart in the middle and several people clinging to avoid falling into the water.
The 230 meter long bridge was built in the 19th century under British colonial rule. It had been closed for six months for renovations and only reopened to traffic last week. According to reports, it was not made for the number of people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office announced on Twitter that compensation would be paid to the victims’ families.
