Bridge collapse causes hundreds of people to fall into river killing 40

At least 40 people have been killed after a bridge in India's western state of Gujarat suddenly collapsed, throwing hundreds into the river below.

According to reports, as many as 400 people were on the bridge - which is located in the town of Morbi - when it collapsed.

Footage shows a number of people clinging on to the remains of the structure, which is partly submerged in the river Machchhu.

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Authorities confirmed that rescue efforts were underway, with Ashish Bhatia, Gujarat director general of police, saying in a statement: “Presently rescue operations are on and a number of people have been taken to safety. The death figure so far is around 40 and this number could go higher."

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in conversation with Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials following the incident, and a statement from the Prime Minister's Office explained Modi had requested urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue operations.

“He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored and extend all possible help to those affected,” the statement said.

Modi expressed his sorrow of the events in another statement shared on Twitter, writing: "I am deeply saddened by the tragedy at Morbi. Talked to Gujarat Chief Minister Shri 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."

@narendramodi/Twitter

Patel also took to the platform to say they were 'deeply saddened by the tragedy' of the collapse of the bridge.

Patel further assured relief and rescue operations are 'ongoing', and said instruction had been given to 'arrange immediate treatment of the injured'.

"I'm in constant contact with the district administration in this regard," they added.

According to the BBC, the collapse comes just days after the bridge was reopened following repairs.

The 140-year-old bridge is known as Julto pul and spans 765 feet, connecting Mahaprabhuji to Samakantha area. It recently underwent six months of renovation work reported to have cost more than £209,000.

The prime minister has announced that thousands of pounds in compensation will be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the events, with the money taken from the country's National Relief Fund.

Those who have been injured as a result of the collapse are also set to receive approximately Rs 500 (£5).