Over 50 feared killed in bridge collapse in Arunachal

Over 50 people were feared dead after a wirerope suspension bridge over the swift Kameng river collapsed this evening at Seppa in Arunchal Pradesh's East Kameng district. 

The hanging bridge at the entrance to Seppa town, the district headquarters, collapsed as people were crossing it, with 50 feared dead, East Kameng SP Kime Aya said.

Five bodies were found by rescue teams comprising the CRPF, ITBP and the district police, he said.

The swift current in the river and darkness was impeding the search and rescue teams, the SP said.

"Two people who swam back to safety informed that there were over 100 people who had gone on the hunt for 'teri', an insect which is a delicacy for the tribals, at around 5:30 pm which was not the right time," Aya said.

The exact toll can be ascertained only tomorrow, he said.