At least two people died and several others were missing after a footbridge collapsed in India's south-western state of Goa, police said on Friday.
The incident took place on Thursday night as people gathered on the bridge to watch rescue teams save a man who jumped into the Sanvordem river in an apparent suicide attempt.
Police officer Veronica Coutinho said while 15 people were rescued or swam to safety, two bodies were recovered in emergency operations overnight.
"We do not have an exact estimate of the people on the bridge but it may be a maximum of 40. Between 10 to 15 people are still missing," Coutinho said over phone from the scene.
Police said some people were feared to have been trapped under the collapsed portion of the bridge.
Navy divers and police were involved in the rescue work. "The death toll would rise as more bodies are likely to be found. The rescue work will continue through Friday," Coutinho said.
According to local media reports, the bridge was more than 60 years old and was banned from use by state authorities.
State Public Works Minister Sudhin Dhavalikar said the "bridge had been closed, but people who wanted to see a man being rescued, removed the barricades and stood on the bridge," according to broadcaster NDTV.
Indian rescue workers and navy divers look for survivors near the footbridge collapse site in Curchorem, South Goa on Friday.
