Four persons died and 18 others were seriously injured after an old iron pedestrian bridge on the Indrayani river collapsed on Sunday afternoon in Pune's Maval tehsil, prima facie due to crowding by tourists who ignored the warning board at the spot, a state minister said.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been conducting rescue operations at the spot over the last four hours to remove the portions of the structure and locate a trapped person, officials said.
"While two bodies were recovered from beneath the structure, two persons succumbed to injuries during treatment after being rescued," said Talegaon Dabhade police station senior inspector Pradeep Rayannawar. He said one person is suspected to be trapped under the portions of the collapsed bridge, and rescue efforts are on.
The incident occurred at 3:30 pm in the Kundamala area, which has been seeing heavy rains over the past few days, giving the river a steady flow, another official said. It was not raining when the bridge collapsed in the presence of at least 100 picnickers, he added. "In the mishap, so far 38 people have been rescued of which 18 sustained serious injuries and they are currently under treatment in three different hospitals. During treatment, two people succumbed to injuries," a statement from the district administration informed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and enquired about the situation on the ground following the collapse of the bridge. Shah said teams posted nearby quickly joined the rescue operation.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. "Spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and inquired about the present situation on the ground. NDRF teams posted nearby quickly rushed to the site, joined the rescue operation, and saved several lives with remarkable promptness," the home minister said in a post on X.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "There has been an incident of bridge collapse in Maval. I have spoken to the Divisional Commissioner, Tehsildar and Police Commissioner. Some people have been injured and taken to the hospital. Some people are also trapped. The NDRF team is reaching there. It is possible that some people have been swept away. We have not yet received any confirmation of casualties in this regard. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to talk about this now. I will give information about this only after getting complete information. Right now, the administration is trying its best to provide relief to the people.
One of the members carrying out the rescue operation in Pune said to PTI, "The rescue operation is underway. Some people have been saved. We don't know for sure, but possibly 20-25 people are likely trapped under the debris of the collapsed bridge."
DCP Vishal Gaikwad (Zone 2, Pimpri Chinchwad) while talking to mediapersons said, "An old iron bridge near the lake and waterfall collapsed between 3:30 and 4:30 PM. As per initial information, two people have lost their lives, and 6–7 others have been injured and are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. The NDRF team has arrived and is carrying out rescue operations."
NCP MP Supriya Sule in a social media post on X said, "A bridge over the Indrayani river at Kundmala in Maval Taluka of Pune district has collapsed. There is a fear that some citizens on the bridge may have been swept away. This is a very unfortunate incident, and I sincerely pray to the Almighty for the safety of all those affected."
"I have spoken to the District Collector of Pune regarding the incident, and they are sending all necessary assistance. I earnestly appeal to all citizens to exercise caution while venturing out for monsoon tourism. Please strictly follow all safety guidelines," Sule posted on X.
*With Agency Inputs
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