Update on the Raigad bridge collapse.   

One NDRF team of 50 men and eight navy divers have been deployed at the spot, while an Air Force chopper has also been pressed into service. Around 80 rescuers and divers have been sent to the spot, said the National Disaster Response Force.A Chetak helicopter has been launched by the Coast Guard to help search for the missing vehicles. However, with the river in spate, rescue operations have been hampered.


The bridge, built more than 70 years ago in Mahad town, crashed around 1 am after flood waters rushed into the river Savitri.Buses and private cars are believed to have plunged into the flooded river with dozens of people after the bridge collapsed.

Two state transport buses with 11 passengers each are missing. The buses started from Mumbai but did not arrive at their destination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and assured all help in rescue and relief ops.