As many as 38 people were rescued, with 18 currently undergoing treatment in three hospitals, the district administration confirmed.
THE NEWS DOSE DESK
PUNE/Chandigarh, June , 15
Four people lost their lives and 18 sustained serious injuries after an old iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed on Sunday afternoon in the Kundamala area of Pune’s Maval tehsil.
According to officials, two victims died during treatment, while two bodies were pulled from beneath the debris. Rescue teams suspect one more person may be trapped under the collapsed structure. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm, in the presence of over 100 picnickers. Although the area had experienced heavy rain in recent days, the weather was clear when the tragedy occurred.
As many as 38 people were rescued, with 18 currently undergoing treatment in three hospitals, the district administration confirmed.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, fire brigade personnel, police, and local rescuers are working at the site. Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, who is overseeing operations, said the bridge gave way under the weight of too many tourists.
“The bridge was only meant for pedestrians. Despite a warning board prohibiting two-wheelers, people ignored the instructions,” Mahajan said. The government has announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.
Responding to questions about the absence of police despite the area drawing crowds, the minister assured that an investigation was underway and urged tourists to avoid risky spots during the monsoon. Rescue teams have deployed cranes to lift the wreckage and continue the search for those trapped underneath. (Agencies’ inputs)
