Bridge collapse kills over 130 in India

The death toll has grown to at least 132 people following the collapse of a newly renovated bridge in the Indian state of Gujarat, authorities said as rescue personnel recovered more bodies from the Machchhu river on Monday.

The tragedy occurred around 6:30pm local time on Sunday, when hundreds of people were on the strucure, according to Home Minister of Gujarat Harsh Sanghavi. The rescue operations continued overnight. Many people were admitted to hospitals in critical condition, but some had succumbed to their injuries after being rescued. 

“The death toll in the bridge collapse incident has gone up to 132,” a senior official told Reuters on Monday, expressing fear that the toll could rise even further.

The 230-meter bridge was built in the 19th century, during British rule. It reopened to the public this week, after a six-month renovation. It is believed the structure was unable to support the weight of the large number of people walking on it.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed the tragedy with Gujarat senior officials.

“Relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected,” Modi said.

India’s President Droupadi Murmu has expressed condolences to all those affected, saying the tragedy in Morbi has left her “worried.”

“Relief and rescue efforts will bring succour to the victims,” the president said on her official Twitter account, which is run by her office.