This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7159867.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Scores missing from Nepal bridge | Scores missing from Nepal bridge |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| At least 15 people have been killed and scores are missing feared drowned after a suspension bridge collapsed in Nepal. | |
| The accident happened in Chunchu village, 500km (310 miles) west of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. | The accident happened in Chunchu village, 500km (310 miles) west of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. |
| Scores of people were crossing the 500m steel bridge over the Bheri River to get to a local Christmas Day fair, officials said. | Scores of people were crossing the 500m steel bridge over the Bheri River to get to a local Christmas Day fair, officials said. |
| Those injured have been taken to local towns but the remoteness of the area has been hampering rescue efforts. | |
| Hundreds of soldiers and police were rushed from nearby Nepalganj and Surkhet to help with the rescue, but the operation was halted when night fell. | |
| Officials said chances of finding anyone else alive were slim. | |
| Helicopter search | Helicopter search |
| The Bheri River is said to have strong currents and be difficult to swim in although some people were seen scrambling to safety as the winter flow is lower. | The Bheri River is said to have strong currents and be difficult to swim in although some people were seen scrambling to safety as the winter flow is lower. |
| Most of those killed were women and children. At least 22 people have been seriously injured. | Most of those killed were women and children. At least 22 people have been seriously injured. |
| There are fears the number of missing could run into the hundreds. | There are fears the number of missing could run into the hundreds. |
| Anil Kumar Pandey, chief district officer, told AFP news agency helicopters had been called in to help with the search. | Anil Kumar Pandey, chief district officer, told AFP news agency helicopters had been called in to help with the search. |
| "The remoteness of the area and poor communication facilities have delayed rescue efforts," Mr Pandey said. | "The remoteness of the area and poor communication facilities have delayed rescue efforts," Mr Pandey said. |