A footbridge under construction near the Commonwealth Games main stadium in New Delhi collapsed Tuesday, injuring at least 27 people — four of them critically, police said.
The suspension bridge was being built over a highway to connect a parking lot with the main Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of the Games, scheduled Oct. 3-14.
CBC's Adrienne Arsenault spoke to a number of people who witnessed the collapse.
"They say around 3 p.m. local time, the bridge seemed to dip or spasm a bit. They ran away, and then the whole thing collapsed in the middle."
Severe delays in the completion of the athletes village have thrown the sporting event into jeopardy.
Advance parties from Canada, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand have complained about construction debris littering residential quarters for athletes.
"Within two days, the athletes village is supposed to be opened to some of the athletes, and yet it is being described today as unlivable," Arsensault said. "The Canadian advance team is supposed to be staying at the village and now is, in fact, staying at a hotel."
Labourers have yet to leave the village, preventing a full security sweep, which was supposed to be conducted a month ago.
The New Zealand delegation said Tuesday the village won't be ready for its official opening this week.
New Zealand team manager Dave Currie told radio network NewstalkZB that New Delhi organizers "are in severe difficulties," identifying problems with cleanliness, plumbing, electrical wiring, internet access and mobile phone coverage.
Commonwealth Games Canada said it would be releasing a statement later Tuesday on the state of the facilities.
With files from The Associated Press
