NEW DELHI — A tragic incident unfolded in the western state of Maharashtra, India, as an iron bridge collapsed over a river at a renowned tourist location on Sunday. This catastrophe resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to 32 others, according to the state’s chief official.
Six of those injured have been reported to be in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment, stated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through his announcement on a social media platform. As local news sources recounted, a large number of tourists found themselves on the bridge when it gave way, causing several people to be thrown into the river below.
Fadnavis assured that rescue operations are fervently underway, with six people already saved, although the search continues since some individuals were carried away by the river’s current.
The incident took place in the Kundamala region of Pune district, which has recently experienced significant rainfall, leading to an increased flow in the river, as reported by the Press Trust of India.
At the time of the bridge’s collapse, weather conditions were clear, allowing picnickers to frequent the area, according to the news agency.
Authorities mentioned that India’s National Disaster Response Force, along with other rescue and recovery teams, is actively involved in search operations, as detailed by Press Trust.
Concerns over infrastructure safety have plagued India for years, sometimes resulting in significant calamities involving bridges and roadways. One notable incident occurred in 2022 when an ancient cable suspension bridge in Gujarat collapsed, leading to hundreds plunging into the water, resulting in a tragic death toll of at least 132, marking it as one of the deadliest accidents in the past decade in India.