Investigation underway after buses plunge into river when Indian bridge collapses

Wednesday, 05 Aug, 2016 0

Up to 29 people are feared dead after two buses and at least one car plunged into a swollen river in west India when a bridge collapsed during strong monsoon rains.

Rescue workers from the National Disaster Response Force continue to search the fast flowing waters of the river with more than 100 personnel, including Navy helicopters and members of the Indian coastguard.

An inquiry in to the state of the Colonial era built bridge will also begin.

"The inquiry will reveal if there were any lapses on the part of the administration while assessing the condition of bridge that collapsed," said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Mumbai-Goa highway bridge was constructed in 1928 and links the towns of Mahad and Poladpur.

An adjacent bridge spanning the river which was built 10 years ago remains intact.

The two Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses were carrying up to 22 passengers including two children.

Rescuers have searched a five kilometre stretch of the river without success due to the depth and severity of the fast flowing currents.

"We suspect that one the buses may be in the centre of the river but the current is very strong there. We are not able to deploy our boats or divers; the water keeps throwing everything out. So we have used a local method and sunk heavy iron hooks and magnets into the river, which locals say is 40 feet deep," said Anupam Shrivastav, local commander of the National Disaster Response Force.

Rescuers admitted they are still unsure how many cars may have plunged into the river.

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