More than 100 dead after bridge collapses in India: SL condoles

More than 100 people died when a pedestrian suspension bridge collapsed in India's western state of Gujarat, agency reports said. 

A local official said most of those who had died were women, children or elderly. The bridge in Morbi had been reopened just a week ago after repairs.

There was overcrowding on the bridge at the time as people celebrated the Diwali festival, officials said.

The 230m (754ft) bridge on the Machchu river was built during British rule in the 19th Century.

The death toll is still rising - one police officer said 120 bodies had been recovered so far.

Police, military and disaster response teams were deployed and the rescue effort continued through the night.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning in a condolence message said he was Shocked and saddened by the tragic accident in Morbi, Gujarat, with the collapse of the bridge. 

“The Government & people of Sri Lanka join me in extending deepest condolences to you, the Government & people of India, especially the families of the citizens who lost their lives. May the injured have a speedy recovery and wish every success in the rescue & recovery operations underway’, the message said.