4 dead, 51 injured as old Pune bridge collapses amid rush to watch swelling river

Four people were killed and 51 others were injured after a 30-year-old bridge collapsed in Pune amid heavy rain on Sunday afternoon. The bridge collapsed and fell into the Indrayani river as nearly 125 tourists gathered on it to witness the swelling river.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial aid of Rs 5 Lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals in the city.

According to reports, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic due to its dilapidated condition. In spite of this, tourists gathered in large numbers on it to witness the swelling river. This, along with the strong water current, led to the collapse of the bridge. Rescue and search operations were launched on a war footing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police and district administration actively engaging in relief efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to



Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and enquired about the ongoing rescue operations following the bridge collapse.

Prime Minister Modi, presently in Cyprus, was briefed about the ongoing efforts to assist those affected, reported ANI.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed his condolences to the families of those who were killed in the Pune bridge collapse and said that many lives were saved by the NDRF teams who joined the rescue operations soon after the tragedy.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. Spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and inquired about the present situation on the ground. NDRF teams posted nearby quickly rushed to the site, joined the rescue operation, and saved several lives with remarkable promptness. Heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," wrote Shah on X.