The death toll continues to rise in India following the collapse of a suspension bridge in the western state of Gujarat. According to the latest figures released Monday by the local police chief, at least 137 people who were in this building died late Sunday. Rajkot District Inspector General Ashok Kumar Yadav said most of the victims drowned.
Authorities estimate that 500 people, including women and children, were in and around the bridge when its supporting cables collapsed. They engage in religious rituals there as part of the festival. More than 100 people are still being sought, according to local media, which showed video of people picking up debris from the bridge structure in the dark. A rescue operation was launched, involving divers.
The state government has appointed a team of five investigators to determine the cause of the bridge collapse, the district inspector general told our colleagues. A complaint against X for murder has been filed. Police announced Monday that they had made nine arrests in connection with the tragedy.
