Ahmedabad, Oct. 31 (BNA) A local government official told Reuters today, Monday, that the death toll from a bridge collapse in India’s Gujarat state has risen to 132.
A footbridge over the Machu River in the town of Morbe was packed with spectators enjoying holiday festivities when it collapsed on Sunday, drowning people in the river below.
“The death toll in the bridge collapse accident has risen to 132. Search and rescue operations are continuing,” said the senior official, NK Mushar, adding that the death toll may rise further.
Machar said armed forces personnel along with national disaster and emergency management teams have been deployed from nearby areas to track down missing persons and assist in rescue operations.
Authorities said more than 400 people were in and around the colonial-era suspension bridge at the time of the collapse. The bridge has attracted many spectators who celebrate Diwali, or the festival of lights, and the Chhat Puja holidays.
A five-member team has been assigned to conduct an investigation into the disaster.
The 230-meter-high bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century. It was closed for renovation for six months and recently reopened to the public.
EAE