Over 22 People Swept Away in Indian Bridge Collapse

More than 22 people were swept away as a British-era bridge across the Savitri River on the Mumbai-Goa highway collapsed.

Several vehicles including two buses have been swept away in the waters of Savitri River when a bridge on the river on the Mumbai-Goa highway collapsed due to torrential rains.

The country's coast guard sent a Chetak helicopter to search for those swept away in the river. An Indian Air Force Mi 17 helicopter has also joined the search and rescue operation.

"The Indian Navy Seaking 42C, an all-weather aircraft with a diving team has been launched by the Navy. The diving team has been positioned there and is awaiting information on the location of the vehicles. A Seaking 42B helicopter on another mission was diverted to the area. Two buses and some cars were swept into the river. The bridge is situated just 18 km from the Arabian Sea. No survivors of vehicles have been found," a statement from the Indian Navy said.

Maharashtra Governor C H Vidyasagar Rao has expressed grief over the loss of life caused due to the collapse of the bridge.

Meanwhile, two unidentified male bodies have been found by the locals.