At least 91 people, mostly women and children, were killed and 80 others injured after a colonial-era cable bridge over a river collapsed in the Indian state of Gujarat on Sunday evening.
The tragedy occurred in Morbi district of Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, around 6.45pm. The PM is currently on a three-day visit to the poll-bound state in western India.
Previously, officials told Reuters that at least 60 people were killed in the incident.
Authorities said more than 150 people were on the suspension bridge over the Machhu River in the town of Morbi at the time of the collapse.
TV footage showed dozens of people clinging onto the cables and twisted remains of the collapsed bridge as emergency teams struggled to rescue them. Some clambered up the broken structure to try to make their way to the river banks, while others swam to safety.
Local media quoted officials as saying that as many as 500 people were on the Morbi bridge performing rituals for a major religious festival when it gave way.
The Press Trust of India reported the death toll as being at least 32, citing local health officials.
Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat’s home minister, however, put the death toll at seven.
Reports said that more than 100 people were still missing in the river, showing videos — which could not be independently verified — of people clinging to the remains of the structure in the dark.
The British-era suspension bridge was only reopened to the public this week, after months of repairs.
Authorities launched a rescue operation following the collapse, with divers deployed to search for missing people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was touring his home state of Gujarat, announced compensation for those killed and injured in the accident.
Modi “sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue (operations)”, his office tweeted.
“He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and (for authorities to) extend all possible help to those affected.”
The 230-metre-long (754 feet) colonial-era bridge was built during British rule of India in the 19th Century.
Videos show scenes of chaos as onlookers attempt to rescue those trapped in the water as darkness fell.
Another video shows people climbing up netted wire remains of the bridge to escape the water.
Emergency responders from neighbouring districts have been sent to the scene to help with rescue efforts.
Morbi is one of the largest ceramic manufacturing clusters in the world and accounts for more than 80% of India’s ceramic output.
