At least 40 killed in India bridge collapse, state minister says - Reuters India

AHMEDABAD, Oct 30 (Reuters) - At slightest 40 radical were killed erstwhile a pedestrian span successful the occidental Indian authorities of Gujarat collapsed, plunging hundreds of radical into a river, a authorities curate said.

More than 400 radical were connected the suspension span implicit the Machhu River successful the municipality of Morbi astatine the clip of the collapse, section TV transmission Zee News said.

TV footage showed dozens of radical clinging onto the cables and twisted remains of the collapsed span arsenic exigency teams struggled to rescue them. Some clambered up them to effort to marque their mode to the stream banks, portion others swam to safety.

"At slightest 40 radical person died truthful acold and 30 others were injured," said Brijesh Merja, a curate and lawmaker from Morbi. "Casualties whitethorn emergence arsenic rescue operations are ongoing."

The 230-metre historical span was built during British regularisation successful the 19th century. It had been closed for renovation for six months and was reopened for the nationalist past week.

Officials said the victims are mostly section radical who were visiting the span for recreational purposes.

Morbi is 1 of the largest ceramic manufacturing clusters successful the satellite and accounts for much than 80% of India's ceramic output.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is successful his location authorities Gujarat for a three-day visit, said helium had directed the authorities main curate to mobilise teams urgently for the rescue operation.

The incidental comes up of elections successful Gujarat, which are expected to beryllium held by the year-end with the existent word of the Modi's ruling party's word ending successful February, 2023.

Additional reporting and penning by Rupam Jain; editing by John Stonestreet and Angus MacSwan

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