How Did Two Lives Get Lost as a Bridge Collapsed in Pune?

Pune, June 15 (NationPress) Tragically, two individuals lost their lives, and 32 others sustained injuries when a bridge collapsed in Maharashtra's Pune district on Sunday. Many of the victims were tourists who fell into the turbulent waters of the Indrayani River at Kundamala in Pune's Maval taluka.

The bridge suddenly gave way, causing pedestrians to plunge into the river, which was already overflowing.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow, stating that initial reports confirmed the deaths of two individuals. "I was incredibly saddened to learn about the tragedy caused by the bridge collapse over the Indrayani River in Indori, near Talegaon. Preliminary reports indicate that two lives have been lost in this incident. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families. I am in constant communication with the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the relevant Tehsildar regarding this situation. A search operation is underway since some individuals have been swept away. The NDRF has been dispatched to the scene, and relief efforts have been intensified. So far, six individuals have been rescued, and 32 have been injured, with six in critical condition receiving medical care in the hospital. The Divisional Commissioner is heading to the scene," CM Fadnavis conveyed in a post on X in Marathi.

Images from the incident reveal that several sections of the bridge, particularly those above the water, have collapsed and fallen into the river, while rescue teams from various agencies are actively working to locate the victims.

A crane has been brought in to assist with the removal of debris as rescue efforts continue.

"The bridge collapsed while people were crossing it. Approximately 20–25 individuals were on the bridge at the time. As of now, two bodies have been retrieved, and rescue operations are ongoing. Families of the victims and a large crowd have gathered at the site," a rescue worker informed IANS.

The disaster was worsened by rising water levels due to heavy rainfall in the area. Maval has experienced significant rainfall over the past two days, causing the Indrayani River to swell.

Emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and NDRF teams, swiftly arrived at the location to initiate rescue operations.

Kundmala, a well-known tourist spot, typically sees a high number of visitors during the monsoon season. Increased foot traffic was noted as it was a Sunday, and reports suggested that the old bridge was overcrowded at the time of the accident.