Authorities said nearly 500 people were celebrating a festival on and around the nearly 150-year-old suspension bridge in Morbi when supporting cables snapped after dark Sunday.
The structure in the western state of Gujarat crashed into the river, spilling scores of people into the water while others clung desperately to the wreckage shouting for help.
The suspension bridge, 233 meters (764 feet) long and 1.5 meters wide was inaugurated in 1880 by the British colonial authorities and made with materials shipped from England, reports said.
Broadcaster NDTV reported that it reopened Wednesday after seven months of repairs despite not having a safety certificate and that video footage from Saturday showed it swaying wildly.
The district police have launched an inquiry against the contractor, Yadav said. The state has set up a five-member team to probe the tragedy.
More about:
