100 thought dead as Nepal footbridge collapses

Up to 100 people were feared missing after a footbridge collapsed in western Nepal today.

Dozens of people were walking on the suspension bridge at Chunchu village, about 310 miles west of the capital of Katmandu, when it collapsed.

Initial reports said some people managed to swim to safety, but there could be many casualties.

One police official said the figure could exceed 100.

A large crowd had gathered in the area for a local fair and were crossing the old bridge when the support cables snapped, throwing the people into the Bheri River.

The mountain river has strong currents and is difficult to swim.

Hundreds of soldiers and police were being rushed to the area from the nearby towns of Nepalgunj and Surkhet for a rescue operation.

The injured people were being taken to hospitals in nearby towns.