At least 141 people have died in India after a cable suspension bridge in the western state of Gujarat collapsed Sunday, sending scores of people on the bridge plunging to their deaths, local media said Monday.
The more than a century-old bridge in Morbi likely broke due to excessive weight caused when around 500 people, far more than the load capacity of around 100, gathered on it at the same time, according to media reports. The popular tourist spot had been reopened Wednesday after renovation.
Many of the deaths were believed to be elderly people, women and children.
The accident occurred at around 6:40 p.m. The death toll rose as rescue workers retrieved more bodies from the river under the bridge, according to The Press Trust of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the accident on Twitter, indicating that the government will provide assistance to those affected by it.
