Bridge collapse kills 9 in India

At least nine people have been killed after the collapse of a bridge over a river in India’s western Gujarat state.

Anil Dhameliya, a senior civil servant, told reporters at least nine bodies had been recovered, with five others injured in the incident. Rescue operations were under way, he said.

Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said several vehicles fell into Mahisagar River when a portion of Gambhira Bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning.

The bridge in the state’s Vadodara district had been constructed in 1985, added Patel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the accident was “deeply saddening” and offered condolences to the families of those who died.

India’s infrastructure has long been marred by safety concerns, sometimes leading to major disasters on highways and bridges.