India suspension bridge swayed before collapsing as death toll jumps to 134
- Authorities said nearly 500 people were on and around the bridge when cables supporting it snapped, bringing the structure down into the river
- The British-era suspension bridge was only reopened to the public on Wednesday, following seven months of repairs
Footage from just before the collapse showed a group of young men taking photos before they tumbled into the river below as the cables holding it together gave way.
The colonial-era footbridge over the Machchhu River in the centre of Morbi town was packed with sightseers enjoying holiday festivities when it collapsed on Sunday evening, plunging people about 10 metres (33 feet) into the river.
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At least 134 dead after bridge collapse in India’s Gujarat state, plunging hundreds into river
Some 400 people had bought tickets to get onto the bridge to celebrate the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, less than a week after the span was reopened following renovations.
About 35 victims were younger than 14, according to a list of the deceased seen by Reuters. About 170 people had been rescued by the morning.
“People were hanging from the bridge after the accident, but they slipped and fell into the river when it collapsed,” said Raju, an eyewitness who gave only one name. “I could not sleep the entire night as I had helped in the rescue operation. I brought a lot of children to the hospital.”
Senior government official NK Muchhar said the death toll hade gone up to 134. Another official said at the site that the river’s muddy waters were hampering rescue work and that there might be people trapped under the mangled remains of the bridge.