In a deeply distressing incident, a section of a bridge built over the Indrayani River near Kund Mala in Maval, Pune, collapsed on Sunday afternoon, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. Preliminary reports indicate that 25 to 30 people may have drowned, while several others sustained serious injuries from the fall.
Incident Occurred Amid Heavy Tourist Presence
The tragedy unfolded around 3:40 PM on June 15, when a part of the old bridge suddenly gave way under the weight of numerous tourists gathered to enjoy the weekend holiday. Eyewitnesses report that many visitors, including families and children, were either walking across or stopping for photographs when the structure gave in.
Due to the collapse, multiple people plunged into the Indrayani River, while some reportedly landed on exposed rocks, leading to serious injuries. The strong river current further complicated rescue efforts, sweeping several individuals downstream.
Chaos at Popular Tourist Spot
The area near Kund Mala is a well-known local attraction, especially on weekends. The bridge also connects to a popular temple, which draws hundreds of devotees and tourists alike. At the time of the accident, nearly 200 people were present in the vicinity.
Authorities quickly evacuated the area to ensure smooth emergency response operations. As per police sources, between 10 and 15 individuals were initially feared trapped. By evening, 5 to 6 people had been successfully rescued, with several teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local administration, and Pimpri-Chinchwad police engaged in the ongoing search and rescue mission.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
Rescue teams equipped with divers, boats, and drones are scouring the river to locate the missing. Senior officials, including district administration and police personnel, have reached the site to supervise the operation.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police released a statement confirming the incident and urged people to stay away from the area to avoid obstructing rescue efforts. Videos of the aftermath, now circulating on social media, show the collapsed structure and teams working tirelessly to save lives.
Questions Raised About Infrastructure Safety
While the immediate focus remains on saving lives, the incident has raised serious concerns about infrastructure maintenance and safety audits in high-footfall tourist zones. Locals claim the bridge was old and had shown signs of wear, but no major repairs had been undertaken in recent years.
Officials have assured a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse and potential negligence by local authorities.
Public Response and Concern
The tragedy has shocked not just Pune but the entire nation. Families of missing individuals have gathered near the site, anxiously waiting for updates. Social media is flooded with messages of support and prayers for the victims and their families.
As rescue efforts continue into the night, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stringent structural audits of public infrastructure, especially those frequented by large numbers of people.
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- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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