Pune, June 16
Eyewitnesses recalled scenes of tragedy as an old bridge over the Indrayani River near Talegaon in Pune collapsed on Sunday afternoon, killing four people and injuring 51 others.
The narrow footbridge was packed with over 150-200 people when a section of it gave way, plunging dozens into the water.
Swapnil Kollam, who claims to be an eyewitness, said, "There were more than 150-200 people on the bridge but at the place where the bridge collapsed, there were more than 50 people... It is God's grace that my family is safe."
Another eyewitness, Nikhil Kollam, described the collapse as a moment of divine intervention. "It is Lord Ram's grace that we are safe. Today is the rebirth of me and my family," he said, visibly shaken.
The tragic incident occurred at 3:15 pm, and rescue teams were alerted by 3:30 pm, according to District Collector Jitendra Dudi.
Speaking to ANI, Dudi said, "A total of 51 people are injured and admitted to different hospitals, taking treatment, and four individuals have died. Three were identified as Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, and Vihaan Mane, and one was male but unidentified."
He further added, "A team of about 250 people immediately came here. The rescue operation started, and so far we have rescued about 38 people." Dudi confirmed that search operations were ongoing, as two people were still unaccounted for.
Seven victims were rushed to the ICU at Atharva Hospital, where six were said to be out of danger, while one remained in critical but stable condition.
Dudi also acknowledged prior warnings about the location, saying, "We had issued advisories and warnings to all the places which are dangerous for tourists, and this was one such place, but unfortunately, the number of tourists increased a lot... Going forward, we will form a team and investigate the incident and if the administration is found guilty, I will ensure that action is taken against them as well."
Maharashtra Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation, Makarand Patil, and District Collector Jitendra Dudi visited the Civil Hospital to meet the injured.
NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar said the tragedy was "very unfortunate" and praised local youths for saving nearly 20-25 people. "The bridge was quite old and there used to be discussions about its renovation, but unfortunately, it could not be done," he said. He added that several bridges in Maharashtra, dating back to colonial times, were in poor condition and required urgent attention.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey strongly criticised the administration. "Why did the authority not put up barricades when the bridge was weak? Why was the security of the tourists not tightened...? All the higher authorities responsible for this bridge's maintenance should be arrested and punished," he said.
Dubey also claimed that a fund of Rs 8 crore had been sanctioned for the bridge but was never utilised. "Looking at the poor conditions of Pune, people can't even travel as tourists?... This matter is straightaway a case of murder," he said, demanding a statewide audit of all old bridges and deployment of security personnel at tourist spots.
By late night, the damaged section of the bridge had been removed from the river, and the search and rescue operation concluded.
Further investigation into the cause of the collapse is still ongoing.
- ANI
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