Pune Bridge Collapse: Over 40 Rescued, Multiple Injured in Indrayani River Tragedy
Tragedy at Indrayani River: Iron Bridge Collapses in Pune
In a major mishap on Sunday, an iron bridge over the Indrayani River near Kundamala village in Maharashtra’s Pune district collapsed, leading to mass casualties and a large-scale rescue operation. The incident occurred near Talegaon Dabhade, a site known for its popularity among local tourists.
Initial reports suggest that over 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals, while at least two fatalities have been officially confirmed.
Rescue Efforts Led by CRPF and NDRF
According to CRPF Deputy Inspector General Vaibhav Nimbalkar, one of the CRPF companies was immediately deployed from Talegaon to assist in the rescue, without waiting for formal orders. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also dispatched two specialized teams to the site.
DIG Nimbalkar emphasized the CRPF’s primary role in supporting the civil administration, controlling crowds, and engaging in active rescue operations alongside NDRF units.
“Till now, over 40 people have been rescued and also sent to the hospital. The NDRF will provide further information,” stated DIG Nimbalkar.
Official Death Toll and Injuries Confirmed by CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to X (formerly Twitter) to express sorrow over the tragic loss of life. He confirmed that two individuals had died, and 32 others sustained injuries, including six people in critical condition.
“It was very sad to hear the news of the accident… According to preliminary information, 2 people have died. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. We share the grief of their families,” the Chief Minister posted.
Fadnavis assured that he remains in constant contact with senior administrative officers including the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, SP, and Tehsildar to monitor the evolving situation.
Search Operations Underway for Missing Victims
As per the Police Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad, Vinoy Kumar Chaubey, at least 38 individuals have been rescued and shifted to local hospitals. However, some people were reportedly swept away during the collapse, prompting a continued search operation by the NDRF.
Authorities confirmed that all disaster management agencies are on high alert, with search-and-rescue efforts continuing throughout the day. Relief operations have been given top priority by both state and central agencies.
PM Modi Briefed, International Coordination Noted
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently visiting Cyprus, was briefed about the incident and the ongoing emergency response. He also reached out to Chief Minister Fadnavis for updates and expressed concern for the victims and their families.
A Site of Tragedy and Tourist Interest
The bridge collapse occurred in an area that typically sees significant footfall due to its scenic riverbank and weekend tourism. The mishap raises serious concerns regarding infrastructure safety and crowd management in semi-urban and rural tourist zones.
Conclusion: Spotlight on Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for structural audits of older bridges, especially in tourist-prone regions. While the prompt response from CRPF and NDRF saved many lives, the loss of two citizens and the critical injuries suffered by others call for immediate action on infrastructure and emergency readiness.
Ongoing updates are expected as search operations continue.
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