At Least 60 Dead in Gujarat Bridge Collapse

At least 60 people were killed when a nearly century-old suspension bridge on a river in the western Indian state Gujarat's Morbi town collapsed this evening, reports local media.

The bridge, which was reopened for the public after renovation three days ago, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it.

Nearly 400 people or more were on the bridge, which is a local tourist attraction, of whom many sustained head injuries due to the rocky bed of the shallow river.

Morbi town is nearly 200km from Gujarat's capital city Ahmedabad.

"Due to the collapse of the bridge over the Morbi river, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals," local lawmaker and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

According to eyewitnesses, there were several women and children on the suspension bridge when it gave way.

The death count could go up as several people are still feared trapped in the river, officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat and is on a three-day visit to the state ahead of the assembly elections, spoke to state Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and sought urgent mobilization of teams for rescue operations.

"PM @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilization of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected," the PMO tweeted._agencies