The collapse of an old bridge in Pune amid heavy rain on Sunday afternoon has resulted in a tragic loss of life and left dozens injured, highlighting ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety during the monsoon season. Here's a detailed breakdown of the incident:
What Happened:
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On Sunday afternoon, an old bridge collapsed over the Indrayani river in Pune, Maharashtra.
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The bridge, reportedly in a dilapidated condition, gave way as several people had gathered to watch the swelling river, intensified by heavy rainfall.
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The collapse led to 15–20 people being swept away by the strong river current.
Casualties and Injuries:
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed 2 deaths and 32 injuries, with 6 in critical condition.
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However, local MLA Sunil Shelke stated that 5 people were killed, suggesting a possible rise in the official death toll.
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Five to six people have been rescued from the river as of the latest reports.
Rescue Efforts:
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Rescue and search operations are ongoing, launched on a war footing.
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Teams from the local police, district administration, and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) have been mobilized.
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At least 15 ambulances have been sent to the site to assist with evacuations and medical response.
Government Response:
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CM Fadnavis expressed grief and condolences:
"I pay my heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives. We share the grief of their families."
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He has been in contact with the Divisional Commissioner, Tehsildar, and Police Commissioner to monitor the situation closely.
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The bridge has been closed to all vehicular traffic.
Probable Cause:
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Initial assessments suggest that the strong water current from the monsoon rains contributed to the structural failure.
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The age and deteriorating condition of the bridge likely made it especially vulnerable.
Broader Implications:
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This incident adds to a growing list of monsoon-related disasters and highlights the urgent need to reassess aging infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone regions.
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Public safety warnings and structural audits for similar bridges must be prioritized immediately to prevent further tragedies.
