60 dead as bridge COLLAPSES into river in western India: Video shows people desperately clinging on

A major rescue operation is underway after a cable bridge collapsed in the Morbi area of Gujarat, Western India, leaving at least sixty people dead on Sunday evening.

Video footage has emerged of the collapse of the bridge, which was carrying hundreds of people. leaving many on the bridge clinging on desperately for safety.

Images show onlookers stunned as the newly opened structure plunged into the water 

People were left hanging on to the bridge for safety as a rescue effort went underway

The bridge, known as the Julto pul, is a 140-year-old structure that had recently been refurbished and was reopened to the public last week after six months of work.

It was first opened 20 February 1879 – connecting the Mahaprabhuji and Samakantha areas.

The bridge is a popular attraction for tourists and locals.

It had previously suffered significant damage following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. 

Officials said that the collapse of the structure could be due to overcrowding.

The bridge – known as Julto pul – is a popular tourist attraction in the Morbi area of Gujarat, western India

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: ‘I am deeply saddened by the tragedy at Morbi. Talked to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials about this.

‘Relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected.’

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel tweeted: ‘I express my condolences to the families of the citizens who lost their lives in the tragedy of Morbi.

‘The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.’

‘The news of the accident due to the breakdown of the cable bridge on the Machhu river in Morbi, Gujarat is very sad. 

‘Taking quick cognizance of the incident, the Gujarat government and administration have given necessary guidelines for relief and rescue. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.’

A view of the site of the collapse as hundreds had been reportedly on the structure as it collapsed 

Ambulance services arrive at the hospital as hundreds are feared injured following the collapse

Minister of State Brijesh Merja tweeted: ‘Due to the accident on the suspension bridge, all the private hospitals along with the civil hospital have been ordered to provide immediate treatment.

‘Apart from this, orders have been given to take the injured people out of the water and take them to a private hospital in an ambulance, free of charge. Also, private hospitals have been asked to keep as many doctors as possible on duty.’ 

This is an ongoing breaking story and will be updated.