New Delhi – Atleast 60 people are reported to have died when a nearly 100-year-old recently renovated suspension bridge collapsed over the Machchhu River in Morbi, Gujarat on Sunday evening, said Gujarat Panchayat Minister Brijesh Merja from the incident spot.

The bridge, a hanging foot over-bridge is a favourite picnic spot for locals, vehicles are not allowed on it. The incident occurred at around 6:30pm, 300 people were believed to be on the bridge when it collapsed, exact number is not yet known.

Videos circulating on social media showed many people hanging onto the cables of the bridge, while many in the shallow parts of the river were submerged in waist-deep water. Others were seen rescuing people who had fallen into the river.

Eyewitnesses’ reports say that several women and children were on the hanging bridge when it snapped.

BJP MP from Rajkot Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya confirmed that more than 60 bodies have been recovered, of "which most are of children, women and elderly".

"NDRF rescue operation is underway. We are taking this matter very seriously, it's very saddening," said Kundariya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each of those who died in a bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi city.

The PM also spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials regarding the incident. He sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue operations, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

CM Bhupendra Patel has announced Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased.
-PTI/TOI