2 Dead, Several Missing As Bridge Collapses In Goa

Panaji: Two people died and several people fell into Sanvordem river at Curchorem village in Goa after a Portuguese-era bridge collapsed on Thursday evening.

The bridge caved in when the state Fire and Emergency Services personnel were rescuing a youth who had jumped into the river apparently in a suicide bid. Around 50 people had gathered on the bridge to watch the rescue operation, and all of them fell into the river as it collapsed.

The rescue operation began at 7.30 am on Thursday and efforts are on to check whether there are any more bodies in the water," Superintendent of Police (South) Shekhar Prabhudesai said. "The search operation was called off around midnight due to poor visibility. The divers from Indian Navy and a private agency which mans Goa's beaches, have been pressed into service to search for the bodies," he added.

A spokesman of the Indian Navy said the collapsed part of the bridge was removed last night. "Diving was stopped at around 3.30 am on the request of the collector. The diving operation has resumed this morning." He said since crocodiles are known to be present in the river water, precautions are being taken for the safety of the divers.

"As per local inputs, there may be two more persons missing. A helicopter sortie is being undertaken along the river for aerial search," he said.

The bridge has been closed for the last four years.