The death toll from a bridge collapse in India on Monday rose to 134, with many of the victims children.

This is just as the authorities opened a criminal case into one of the deadliest accidents in the country in the past 10 years.

Footage from just before the collapse showed a group of young men taking photos while others tried to sway the bridge before they tumbled into the river below as the cables holding it together gave way.

The colonial-era footbridge over the Machchhu River in the centre of Morbi town was packed with sightseers enjoying holiday festivities when it collapsed on Sunday evening, plunging people about 10m into the river.

Some 400 people had bought tickets to get onto the bridge to celebrate the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, less than a week after the span was reopened following renovations.

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About 35 victims were younger than 14, according to a list of those who died seen by Reuters. About 170 people had been rescued by the morning.

“People were hanging from the bridge after the accident, but they slipped and fell into the river when it collapsed.

“I could not sleep the entire night as I had helped in the rescue operation. I brought a lot of children to the hospital,” an eyewitness who gave his name as Raju said.

Senior government official, NK Muchhar, said the death had gone up to 134.

Another official at the site said the river’s muddy waters were hampering rescue work and that there might be people trapped under the mangled remains of the bridge.

The police registered a criminal case against unnamed persons responsible for the renovation, maintenance, and management of the bridge.

The government has however formed a five-member team to investigate the disaster.

The Star