Death toll from Indian bridge collapse hits 141 — mostly children and women

The death toll from a suspension footbridge collapse in Morbi town, Gujarat, India, has risen to 141.

According to BBC, local officials said the number could grow as the rescue operation continues.

Most of those who died from the incident are said to be women, children or the elderly.

The footbridge collapsed on Sunday and plunged hundreds of people into the river with as many as 400 people said to have been on the bridge at the time.

The incident happened amid a rush of tourists on the bridge due to the Diwali vacation.

Videos posted online showed several people, including women and children, attempting to climb the net of the collapsed structure as emergency personnel tried to rescue them.

Emergency responders from neighbouring districts were reported to have been sent to the scene to help rescue efforts.

The 230-metre historical bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century.

It had been closed for renovation for six months and was only reopened to the public days ago.

Local officials said more than 177 people had been rescued from the collapse.