7 killed, scores missing in Nepal bridge collapse

Kathmandu, Dec 25 (UNI) At least seven people were killed and scores missing after an overloaded suspension bridge over the Bheri River collapsed this afternoon.

The bridge, connecting Daha-chaur and Medhapura in Surkhet, collapsed at about 1330 hrs (local time) when around 300 people were crossing it to attend a big religious fair at Subha-ghat area.

Two women and five men were killed in the collapse, the Bheri Zonal Police said.

Scores of people, most of them women and girls, were found flowing in the river during an aerial inspection of the site, police added.

However, the Home Ministry said only six people died in the bridge collapse and stated that rescue teams were on their way, the Kantipur reported.

Rescue teams, along with the Nepal Army personnel, have rushed to the site immediately after coming to know about the incident.

The officials are hoping that the chances of more people surviving are good as the water levels are low in the river.

UNI