Pune Bridge Collapse: 4 Feared Dead, 38 rescued

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the bridge collapse in Pune and wished speedy recovery of those inured. The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha also said such preventable disasters demand meaningful questions be asked of those in power.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “The bridge collapse over the Indrayani River near Talegaon, Indori in Pune district is a deeply distressing and an avoidable tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims, and I am praying for the swift recovery and well-being of the tourists swept away by the river current.

I salute the tireless dedication of the rescue teams who are working around the clock to locate and save those affected. I also wish a speedy and complete recovery to the several injured people in this devastating incident. Even as we mourn this profound loss, it’s crucial that we seek accountability. Such preventable disasters demand meaningful questions be asked of those in power. It is imperative that all individuals found responsible for this tragedy are held to account under the full force of the law.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Cyprus, spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the incident. While expressing grief over the loss of lives, PM Modi assured all possible assistance in relief measures.

CMO Maharashtra’s post on X read in Marathi, “After his arrival in Cyprus, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and inquired about the bridge collapse in Pune district and expressed deep grief over the incident. He assured the state government of all possible assistance in the relief efforts.”

According to minister Girish Mahajan, there is a possibility of one more person trapped under the debris.

MP Supriya Sule on Sunday visited the site of the Indrayani River bridge collapse in Maharashtra’s Pimpri-Chinchwad, where at least two people were killed and dozens injured.The bridge, which was constructed 30 years ago to facilitate the movement of farmers, reportedly collapsed due to excessive load from tourists and two-wheelers, according to NCP MLA Sunil Shelke

Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and enquired about the situation on the ground following the collapse of the bridge. Shah said teams posted nearby quickly joined the rescue operation.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. “Spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and inquired about the present situation on the ground. NDRF teams posted nearby quickly rushed to the site, joined the rescue operation, and saved several lives with remarkable promptness,” the home minister said in a post on X.

Maharashtra Minister Makarand Patil said, "Till now, injured people have been admitted to the (Civil) hospital. The rescue operation is going on in full swing. NDRF and SDRF have come here for the same, along with volunteering organisations and locals. This bridge was restricted for people and two-wheelers, but people were excited for monsoon tourism, many tourists flocked to the bridge, and it collapsed."

The tragic incident occurred near Kund Mala, a popular tourist site in Pimpri-Chinchwad, reportedly due to excessive load from weekend visitors and two-wheelers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assess the situation.

Shah said nearby NDRF teams rushed to the site promptly and managed to save several lives. Modi, currently in Cyprus, assured all possible central assistance for relief operations. Local authorities confirmed that two bodies have been recovered while rescue operations continue, with divers and emergency personnel deployed on-site. The bridge, constructed 30 years ago to help farmers access their lands, had become a hotspot for tourists.

NCP MLA Sunil Shelke indicated that overloading likely caused the collapse. MP Supriya Sule visited the site and met with affected families. This comes despite recent prohibitory orders issued by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, warning tourists to stay away from water bodies and natural sites during the intensified monsoon.