• Latest reports state that the death toll has risen to 35
• Government takes responsibility, reports ndtv.com
• At least 32 dead in Morbi suspension bridge collapse so far: Local civil hospital official

A nearly century-old suspension bridge on Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi city collapsed on Sunday evening due to which several people standing on it fell into the river, officials said, reports PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Gujarat CM and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected.

The bridge, which was recently reopened for public after renovation, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it, they said."Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river.

Prime Minister has also announced announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the mishap in Morbi. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

The prime minister has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and all possible help be extended to those affected, it added.

The collapsed bridge PTI Picture

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will soon reach the site of a suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat and the administration has promptly carried out rescue and relief work.

"I am deeply saddened by the accident in Morbi. I have spoken to Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home, Gujarat and other officials in this regard.

"Local administration is engaged in relief work with full readiness, NDRF is also reaching the spot soon. The administration has been directed to provide immediate treatment to the injured," Shah tweeted in Hindi.

"A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals," local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

According to eyewitnesses, there were several women and children on the hanging bridge when it snapped.