[ad_1]
At least 32 people have been killed and several feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed into a river in the western Indian state of Gujarat, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.
Local media reported that hundreds of people jumped into the Makhchu River when a bridge collapsed in the state’s Morbi district.
It was unclear how many people were on the bridge.
The accident happened just days after the 19th-century colonial-era bridge reopened to the public after a renovation.
Officials told PTI that the bridge gave way because it could not handle the number of people on the bridge.
“Several people fell into the river as the bridge collapsed.
“Rescue operations are underway,” said State Minister Bridgesh Meha.
“There were reports that several people were injured.
“They are being taken to hospital.”
Videos on social media showed people clinging to the partially submerged bridge in distress, while another showed people swimming to safety.
According to local media reports, rescue operations are underway and three national disaster relief teams have rushed to the scene.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting his home state of Gujarat, said he was “deeply saddened by this tragedy”.
His office announced compensation for the families of the deceased and urged swift rescue efforts.
[ad_2]
Source link