Two dead, several missing in Goa bridge collapse

Two persons were killed and several others went missing after a foot bridge collapsed in Churchorem area of south Goa on Thursday evening. Till reports last came in, rescue operations were still under way.

The victims were standing on the dilapidated bridge watching an operation to rescue a youth who allegedly jumped into the river to commit suicide when the bridge collapsed.

The police said around 20 of them swam to safety. Another 14 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals, whereas two bodies were retrieved from the river. One of the two deceased was identified as Basavaraj Malvankar, 30, from Bazar wada, Sanguem.

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters that all agencies concerned have been pressed into action. “A massive search and rescue operation is being carried out. We still don’t have exact number of people who could be in the water,” he said.

A Navy spokesperson said nine divers have been rushed to Curchorem. The rescue operation is expected to continue through the night.

PWD minister Sudin Dhavalikar who rushed to the site said the bridge was closed for use for the last four years. “People who were keen on witnessing the rescue operation for a youth who had jumped into the river to commit suicide removed the barricades on the bridge,” he said.