A tragic incident in Maharashtra, India, resulted in at least two fatalities and 32 injuries after an iron bridge crumbled over a river at a well-known tourist spot. The top elected official of the state confirmed the devastating news.
Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that at least six individuals were in critical condition and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
According to local news outlets, a large number of tourists were present on the bridge when it gave way, causing many to fall into the river.
Mr. Fadnavis also mentioned that six people have been rescued, but an intensive search is underway for those who were swept away by the current.
The incident took place in the Kundamala area of Pune district. Recent heavy rainfall has caused a consistent and strong flow in the river, as reported by the Press Trust of India.
Despite the recent rains, the news agency stated that it was not raining at the time of the collapse. The location is a popular destination for picnics and outings.
Police officials confirmed to the Press Trust that the National Disaster Response Force and other rescue teams have launched operations to find and recover those missing.
Safety issues have plagued India’s infrastructure for a long time, occasionally leading to significant accidents on roads and bridges.
In 2022, a century-old cable suspension bridge in Gujarat collapsed into a river, resulting in a mass casualty event. Hundreds plunged into the water, and at least 132 people lost their lives in what was one of the worst disasters the country has witnessed in the last decade.
