Bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa highway: Latest developments

#WATCH: NDRF team reaches site of bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa highway in Raigad, to carry out search operationshttps://t.co/aB7MNLnRul

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 3, 2016

The Indian Coast Guard has launched a Chetak Helicopter to carry out search operations for missing vehicles.

4 NDRF teams comprising 115 personnel including divers along with 12 boats have been rushed to the spot in search of the vehicles which are being suspected to have fallen into the Savitri river.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the issue in the Lok Sabha, and promised aide to bring the situation under control.

The CPRO of the Central Railways have deployed a team of doctors and rescue personnel at the site of the incident.

Centre stands with Maharashtra Govt in this hour of crisis and assures all possible help: HM Rajnath Singh in LS pic.twitter.com/64rpOckG9G

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 3, 2016

Of two parallel bridges that run along the stretch, the old bridge that was constructed during the British era, and used for vehicular traffic from Goa to Mumbai, was the one that collapsed. The new bridge, that is used for traffic plying from Mumbai to Goa is still intact.

However, the new bridge was also closed down for a few hours following the mishap.

Local deputy superintendent Pranjali Sonawane said that approximately 80 per cent of the bridge had collapsed.

No confirmed assessment about the number of casualties can be made yet. Relief operations are underway. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has been directing the rescue and relief operations.

High pressure caused due to flooding of the river Savitri is being deemed to have been the primary cause of the calamity.