31 killed in bridge collapse in India Sunday, 23 October 2011 08:39

NEW DELHI:  At least 31 people have been killed and more than 100 injured as a wooden suspension bridge collapsed at Bijanbari, 40 kilometre from Darjeeling in West Bengal in India.

While ten people died on the spot, the rest succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. The death toll may rise as some of those injured are critical.

Over a 100 people had gathered on the bridge to listen to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders. The pressure of the crowd led to the collapse of the bridge.

The suspension bridge was built in 1972. It was meant for pedestrians but over time was used by motorcycles which weakened it.

The Army's Mountain Brigade at Darjeeling has sent troops to the site for assistance, NDTV reported Sunday.

Superintendent of Police Anand Kumar said the death toll might go up.
North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb, who was at the spot, said the rescue operation was on in full swing and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was personally monitoring and supervising it. (QNA)