Hours after four died and 38 were rescued after an iron bridge over the Indrayani River in the Pune district of Maharashtra collapsed on Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. He was briefed on the ongoing efforts to assist those affected in the accident.
CM Fadnavis Announces Finanical Assistance
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of Rs.5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse incident on the Indrayani River near Talegaon in Pune district. Additionally, the state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured.”
“CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will provide a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse incident on the Indrayani river near Talegaon in Pune district. Additionally, the state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured,” Maharashtra CMO posted on X.
The bridge, which connects two sides of the Kundmala area, collapsed while several tourists were standing on it. Being a weekend, a large number of visitors were present at the site. The incident reportedly took place around 3:30 PM. A total of 32 people have been rescued.
Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan said that the rescue operation is going on war footing and there is a possibility of the presence of a body under the debris. He also said that NDRF and SDRF are all working to remove the debris.
“… This was a narrow bridge only meant for the movement of the farmers but 250-300 tourists stood on it and the bridge collapsed due to excessive load… Entry was denied over here with boards erected, even police and locals warned about it…,” Mahajan added.
Bridge Was Built 30 Years Ago: NCP MLA Sunil Shelke
NCP MLA Sunil Shelke said that the bridge was built 30 years ago for the movement of farmers. Speaking to news agency ANI, Shelke said that the bridge was periodically repaired, and tourists were prohibited from entering it. He said that the bridge collapsed due to the excessive load of tourists and two-wheelers.
“This bridge was constructed for the movement of farmers 30 years ago. But due to the excessive load of tourists and two-wheelers, this bridge collapsed. 2 people have died,” Shelke said, according to ANI.
Earlier, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that 32 people were injured, including the six in critical condition, and have been admitted to the hospital.
“I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragedy that occurred when a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed in Indori, near Talegaon in Pune district. 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 on X.
The Maharashtra CM also said that he has spoken with the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the concerned Tehsildar. He also said a search was also launched on a war footing, and NDRF has been deployed at the site.
Indrayani River Bridge Was Rusted: Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar said that the iron bridge over the Indrayani River was rusted, and prima facie it gave way as several people were standing on the structure, killing two individuals. Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi said 38 people have been rescued so far, and 30 of them hospitalised, while six others sustained serious injuries. The collector said the exact number of people present on the bridge when it collapsed and swept away is being assessed.
(With input from agencies)
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