The authorities estimated that 500 people were on the building when it gave way, raising fears of a much heavier toll.
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At least 120 people died when a suspension bridge spanning a river collapsed in India’s western state of Gujarat on Sunday (October 30th), a local official said. “The toll will likely continue to rise as search operations continue”said P. Dekavadiya, police chief of the town of Morbi, where the accident occurred.
Most of the victims drowned in the river. “More than 82 people were rescued“, said another member of the local government earlier. It is not known whether other missing persons are still being sought.
Authorities estimated that 500 people, including women and children, were celebrating a religious holiday on and around the bridge when the cables supporting it gave way shortly after dark. This bridge, dating from the British colonial era, had just reopened to the public after months of work.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Gujarat, where he is from, asked “the urgent mobilization of rescue teams” and making aid available for all victims, his office tweeted.