Pune news: Bridge over Indrayani river collapses;2 people die, 15 swept away as NDRF launches rescue operations

Pune:At least 2 persons were killed and 15 people are feared swept away after an iron bridge over the Indrayani river in Pune district of Maharashtra collapsed on Sunday afternoon.

Three persons were rescued so far following the incident which took place near Kundamala area in Maval tehsil, the police said.

Around five to six people have been rescued so far.

NDRF teams are conducting rescue operations at the spot.

Zone 2 DCP Vishal Gaikwad said: “This was an old dilapidated iron bridge that collapsed around 4 PM. According to the preliminary information, 2 people have died and around 5-7 rescued people have been sent to the hospital... NDRF and local police have been deployed for the rescue operation...”

“So far one person is believed to have been swept away while three others were rescued after the iron bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed as per the preliminary information,” the official from Talegaon Dabhade police station said.

On the bridge collapse, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: “There has been an incident of bridge collapse in Maval. I have spoken to the Divisional Commissioner, Tehsildar and Police Commissioner. Some people have been injured and taken to the hospital. Some people are also trapped. The NDRF team is reaching there. It is possible that some people have been swept away. We have not yet received any confirmation of casualties in this regard. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to talk about this now. I will give information about this only after getting complete information. Right now, the administration is trying its best to provide relief to the people.”

Former Vice President of Cantonment Board Dehu Road, Raghuvir Shelar said: “... An old bridge collapsed here around 4 PM. Around 125 tourists were standing on the same spot on the bridge and it suddenly collapsed. Nearly 20-25 people were drifted away by the river. Some of them were taken out by local workers, while 4-5 are still stuck under the bridge.”