Police in western India arrested nine people on Monday as they investigated the collapse of a newly repaired 143-year-old suspension bridge in one of the country's worst accidents in years, officials told AP. At least 141 people, mostly women and children, died after the colonial-era cable bridge over a river collapsed in the western 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 death toll has risen to 141, with the recovery of several bodies overnight. Over 180 others have been rescued and many of them hospitalised with serious injuries," a police officer told the media on Monday. Over 500 people had thronged the bridge to perform religious rituals when it collapsed. The 140-year-old bridge was repaired and reopened to the public on October 26. Read more: Bridge that collapsed in India reopened sans 'fitness certificate'