At least 91 people, mostly women and children, were killed and 80 others injured after a colonial-era cable bridge over a river collapsed in the Indian state of Gujarat on Sunday evening.

The tragedy occurred in Morbi district of Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, around 6.45pm. The PM is currently on a three-day visit to the poll-bound state in western India.

"Over 500 people had thronged the bridge to perform religious rituals when it collapsed. So far, 91 bodies have been found. Over 80 people are being treated at nearby hospitals for injuries," a police officer told the media.

Local TV channels beamed footage of the rescue operations being carried out by the disaster management personnel in search of some 50 others said to be missing after plunging into the river following the tragedy.

It may be mentioned here that the bridge was repaired and reopened to the public barely a week ago.

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The state government was quick to accept responsibility for the tragedy and announce a five-member probe panel. "Renovation happened last week. The government takes responsibility for this tragedy," Brijesh Merja, a Gujarat minister, told the media.

Modi took to Twitter to condole the deaths. "I am deeply saddened by the tragedy at Morbi. Relief and rescue operations are on in full swing and all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected," he wrote.

The state government also announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. This was tweeted by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Bridge and flyover collapses are not uncommon in India.