Two people died and 32 others were injured after an old bridge over the Indrayani river in Pune collapsed on Sunday. Three persons were rescued so far following the incident which occurred near Kundamala area in Maval tehsil, police said.
"So far one person is believed to have been swept away while three others were rescued after the iron bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed as per the preliminary information," the official from Talegaon Dabhade police station said.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was deeply saddened to hear the news and offered his condolences to the families of those who died.
"According to preliminary information, 2 people have died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. We share the grief of their families," Fadnavis said.
"6 people have been rescued so far. All the agencies have been ordered to be on alert mode. 32 people were injured, 6 of them are critical. They have been admitted to the hospital for treatment," he added.
The accident occurred around 3.30 pm on Sunday, when a large number of visitors had gathered in the area due to the weekend. Several tourists were reportedly standing on the old bridge when it suddenly gave way, plunging many into the river below.
{{/usCountry}}The accident occurred around 3.30 pm on Sunday, when a large number of visitors had gathered in the area due to the weekend. Several tourists were reportedly standing on the old bridge when it suddenly gave way, plunging many into the river below.
{{/usCountry}}Sunil Shelke, MLA from Maval, said the iron bridge over the Indrayani River is 30 years old. There were around 100 people present on the bridge. Some fell off but managed to reach the shore, the leader said.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, and two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) quickly rushed to the spot.
NCP leader Supriya Sule, reacting to the news, said, "It is feared that some citizens on the bridge may have been swept away. This incident is very unfortunate and I pray to God that all these citizens are safe. I have spoken to the District Collector, Pune regarding this incident and he is sending all necessary help."
She also urged the public to exercise caution during the monsoon season, emphasizing the importance of following safety rules while visiting tourist spots.