Pune bridge collapse kills 4
PUNE, June 16 -- Four people were killed, 18 were injured and one remained trapped under debris after a 33-year-old iron pedestrian bridge on the Indrayani river collapsed in Pune amid heavy rainfall, officials aware of the matter said on Sunday, adding that teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been conducting rescue operations at the spot over the last four hours.
The incident occurred around 3:30pm, when more than 100 tourists had gathered near Kund Mala in Talegaon, a popular tourist destination located about 30 km from Pune, known for its natural sinkholes, gorges, and unique rock formations.
A statement from the Pune district administration said: "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." Of those injured, six have sustained serious injuries and have been hospitalised, officials added.
Officials have identified the deceased as Kolhapur residents Rohit Mane (35) and Vihan Mane (5), and Pune resident Chandrakant Sathale (65). The fourth victim is yet to be identified, they added.
Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and enquired about the situation on the ground . "Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse...," he posted on X.
Fadnavis expressed grief over the tragedy. "Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident of a bridge collapse over the Indrayani River near Talegaon, Indori in Pune district. As per information so far, two persons have lost their lives. My deepest condolences to their families. We stand with them in this difficult time," he said in a post on X.
Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said the iron bridge was rusted and prima facie it gave way as several people were standing on the structure.
He said a plan for constructing a new bridge over the river was sanctioned.
Maharashtra minister of disaster management Girish Mahajan said: "The pedestrian bridge, constructed in 1992, collapsed due to excessive crowding."...
To read the full article or to get the complete feed from this publication, please
Contact Us.