How did the bridge break
An old bridge on the Indrayani river at Kundmala, a famous tourist spot near Talegaon Dabhade in Maval taluka area of Pune, recently collapsed. The accident occurred at a time when the water level of the river had risen considerably due to heavy rains in the area and the number of tourists was also high as it was a Sunday.
Heavy rain in Maharashtra
Heavy rainfall has been continuing in Maharashtra for the past few days, due to which normal life has been badly affected. This situation has increased administrative challenges and there is a need to take additional steps for the safety of local residents.
Rescued
Four people have been confirmed dead in this bridge collapse incident, while many others are still reported missing. So far four bodies have been recovered by rescue teams and many people have been admitted to the hospital in injured condition. Special rescue teams are continuously working for the search and rescue of the missing people. So far about 50 people have been successfully rescued, but it is estimated that 25 to 30 people are still missing.
Administrative
At the administrative level, District Collector Jitendra Dudi has informed that seven patients are admitted in the ICU, out of which the condition of six is out of danger, while the condition of one patient is serious but stable. The administration is providing timely medical assistance to all the injured.
State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken cognizance of the accident and has taken immediate report from the concerned officials. According to the Chief Minister, the injured have been admitted to the hospital and some people are still trapped. The NDRF team is engaged in relief and rescue work at the spot. The Chief Minister has clarified that more information will be shared only after the death toll is confirmed, at present the administration is focusing on relief and rescue work.
This incident raises serious questions on the current state of aging infrastructure in the state. The recurrence of such incidents during monsoon highlights the need for increased vigilance at the administrative level and rebuilding of infrastructure. It is imperative to consider long-term strategic plans to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.
Statement of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the bridge over the Indrayani river was in a very bad condition – it was rusted. According to preliminary information, many people suddenly stood together on the bridge, causing the bridge to collapse. Two people died in this unfortunate accident. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi informed that so far 38 people have been rescued safely; 30 of them have been sent to the hospital for treatment, while six people are seriously injured.
NCP MLA Sunil Shelke said that two tourists have lost their lives, and four to five people were rescued immediately. NDRF teams are deployed on the spot for relief and rescue operations.
How many people were present there at the time of the incident?
According to Pradeep Rayanwar, senior inspector of Talegaon Dabhade police station, two bodies have been recovered from under the collapsed portion of the bridge. Two others also died in the hospital during treatment. One person is still feared to be trapped under the bridge, and efforts are on to rescue him. Another official informed that the accident took place in Kundmala area at around 3:30 pm. Heavy rains were lashing the area for the past few days, due to which the river flow was fast. However, it was not raining at the time of the bridge collapse. At the time of the incident, about 100 people were present there for a picnic.
