(Hindustan Times, Reuters), 30 Oct, 2022- At least 40 dead and hundreds are feared injured after a suspension bridge collapsed in Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi area on Sunday. 

While official figures are still awaited, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PM's national relief fund for the next of kin of those deceased and ₹50,000 for each person injured in the accident. The 'hanging bridge' over Machchu river is a popular tourist attraction.

PM Modi has also sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue operations, while Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has asked officials to arrange immediate treatment of the injured. 
According to recent reports, the hanging bridge had reopened recently after repairs six months ago. It is being said that the bridge was carrying more people than its capacity.

Reuters reported that according to local TV channel Zee News, more than 400 people were on the bridge over the Machhu River at the time of the collapse.