Death toll rises to 31 in India bridge collapse

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KOLKATA, Oct 23(AP): Officials say the death toll has risen to 31 in the collapse of a wooden bridge in the northeastern Indian district of Darjeeling. The 100-foot-long (30-metre-long) bridge gave way as more than 150 mountain villagers gathered on it Saturday night to hear speeches by local officials in Bijanbari, about 20 miles (30 kilometres) from the hill town of Darjeeling. The bridge was built in 1942 and weakened by a September earthquake. Authorities say some who fell about 100 feet (30 metres) into the swirling Rangeet Khola River were likely swept away in the rapids. Rescuers searched Sunday in areas down river.