New Delhi, Jun 15: At least two people have died and several others are feared drowned after a bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed in Kundmala, a popular monsoon tourist spot in Pune’s Maval area, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, when a large number of tourists had gathered in the area.
According to NDTV, 32 people sustained injuries in the incident, with six in critical condition. The sudden collapse sent dozens plunging into the swollen river, which had seen a sharp rise in water level due to heavy rainfall over the past two days.
NDTV reported that Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the collapse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Cyprus, also spoke to Mr Fadnavis and was briefed on the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Search and rescue efforts are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and emergency services deployed at the site. Six people have been rescued so far. Chief Minister Fadnavis, in a post on social media, confirmed that some individuals have been swept away and said relief efforts are being carried out “on a war footing.”
The tragedy unfolded despite prior concerns raised by locals about the structural integrity of the bridge, which was last renovated about four to five years ago. Many tourists, unaware of the warnings, had been on the bridge when it gave way.
An orange alert had already been issued for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, with forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the ghat regions. The deluge likely contributed to the river’s force and the bridge’s failure. Officials have launched an investigation into the collapse, while urgent efforts continue to locate the missing and provide aid to the injured.
