Collapse of the 19th century pedestrian suspension bridge over the Machchu River in Gujarat kills 141, toll could rise

The pedestrian suspension bridge in Morbi reopened just a week ago after repairs. Officials say the bridge collapsed probably due to overcrowding as people celebrated the Diwali festival. The British built the 754ft bridge on the Machchu River in the 19th Century. At least 141 people died in the accident and the dead included women, children or elderly. The death toll could rise further. Police, military and disaster response teams have rescued 177 people and the rescue effort is continuing. An eyewitness revealed to a section of the media - "Many children were enjoying holidays for Diwali and they came here as tourists. All of them fell one on top of another. The bridge collapsed due to overloading." India bridge collapse: Death toll rises to 141, many still missing. Videos on social media showed people struggling for survival by clinging onto the wreckage or clambering up the bridge's broken netting. Some managed to swim to the riverbanks.

According to reports, several hundred people were on the bridge when it collapsed at around 18:40 India time (13:10 GMT) on Sunday. A video shot before the collapse showed it packed with people and swaying and many gripping the netting on its sides. The tragedy happened in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said he was "deeply saddened by the tragedy." He also announced compensation for the families of victims. The authorities have promised a full investigation into the accident of a popular tourist attraction known locally as Julto Pul (swinging bridge).

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