Officials probe India bridge collapse as divers search river

Scuba divers combed through a river in western India on Wednesday to make certain no bodies were left behind after the collapse of a newly repaired suspension bridge, as officials investigate what led to the tragedy that killed at least 135 people.

The 143-year-old pedestrian bridge collapsed Sunday evening, sending hundreds plunging into the waters of the Machchu River in Morbi town. Police have so far arrested nine people - including managers of the bridge’s operator, Oreva Group.

A police spokesperson said a First Information Report, the preliminary formal stage of an investigation, stated that the accident occurred due to faulty construction or maintenance-related reasons in addition to the bridge operators' negligence and carelessness.

In March, the Morbi town government awarded a 15-year contract to Oreva to maintain and manage the bridge. The same month, Oreva closed the bridge for seven months for repairs. It was reopened Oct. 26, the first day of the Gujarati New Year, which coincides with the Hindu festival season. It was unclear how many people were on the bridge when it collapsed.