Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also directed an inquiry by the Roads and Buildings Department, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the loss of lives “deeply saddening”.

At least nine people were killed after a bridge over a river collapsed in India’s western Gujarat state on Wednesday, news agency Press Trust of India reported while quoting police officials.

The death toll from the Gambhira bridge collapse in Vadodara, Gujarat, has risen to 13. Rescue operations led by the SDRF continue as authorities, including PM Modi and CM Patel, extend condolences and announce financial assistance for victims' families.