A tragic incident occurred in Pune on Sunday afternoon when a 30-year-old bridge collapsed amid heavy rain, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to 51 others. The bridge fell into the Indrayani River as approximately 125 tourists had gathered to observe the swelling waters.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, while the injured were rushed to various hospitals throughout the city.
Reports indicate that the bridge had been closed to vehicular traffic due to its deteriorating condition. Despite this, a large number of tourists gathered on it, contributing to the structure’s failure when combined with the strong river current. Rescue and search operations were promptly initiated, involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and district administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Cyprus, reached out to Chief Minister Fadnavis to inquire about the ongoing rescue efforts. He was briefed on the situation and the assistance being provided to those affected.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, commending the quick response of NDRF teams that saved many lives during the rescue operations. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River. NDRF teams acted swiftly to join the rescue operation, and
I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he stated on X.
NCP MLA Sunil Shelke suggested that the bridge, originally constructed for farmers, could not withstand the excessive weight of tourists and two-wheelers, leading to its collapse. He mentioned that despite efforts to restrict access, people continued to visit the area.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labeled the bridge collapse an avoidable tragedy, emphasizing the need for accountability from those in power. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and called for those responsible for the disaster to be held accountable under the law.
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