A suspension bridge has collapsed in India, plunging hundreds of people into the river below.

The footbridge over the Machchu river in the town of Morbi in India’s western Gujarat state collapsed on Sunday, just days after being re-opened following renovations.

More than 400 people were on the cable bridge at the time, local media reported.

At least 40 people have been killed in the incident, with dozens critically injured, Reuters reported citing local officials.

Footage broadcast by local TV channel Zee News showed people clinging onto the cables of the collapsed bridge as emergency teams sought to rescue them.

Mobile video footage shot by passers by and shared on social media showed scores of people, including children, scrambling to climb out of the water and back up the twisted structure of the broken bridge to safety.

Amit Jhala, a senior administrator at the state-run hospital where victims had been taken, confirmed that at least 30 people had been killed. He also said that while many people had been rescued some were still missing.

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The 230-metre historic bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century. It had been closed for renovation for six
months and was reopened to the public last week.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in his home state Gujarat for a three-day visit, said he has directed the state chief minister to mobilise teams urgently for the rescue operation.

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