- विज्ञापन -
A devastating incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon near Pune when a pedestrian bridge built for tourists over the Indrayani River collapsed in the Kundmala area of Dehu. The bridge, which connects both banks of the river, suddenly gave way around 3:30 PM, sweeping several people into the river’s strong current.
Eyewitnesses described the collapse as sudden and shocking, with no time for those on the bridge to react. Multiple individuals fell into the water and were carried away by the river’s force. Emergency response teams from the Talegaon Dabhade Police, under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, rushed to the scene and initiated rescue operations.
According to initial reports, around 15 to 20 people are feared trapped. So far, 5 to 6 people have been rescued, and further details are awaited. Rescue operations are underway with the assistance of local authorities, police, and fire brigade teams. Boats and divers have been deployed at the site, and two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are en route to assist in the rescue efforts.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but officials suspect structural weakness possibly worsened by recent rainfall could be a factor. The Maval region has received continuous rainfall over the past two days, which has increased the water level in the Indrayani river.
Local police, villagers, and disaster response teams reached the location soon after receiving information. Authorities are working to trace and rescue those who may have fallen into the river. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of infrastructure in popular tourist and religious areas.
Dehu, a revered pilgrimage site associated with Sant Tukaram, sees a large influx of visitors, especially on weekends. Being a Sunday, the area was crowded with tourists when the bridge collapsed. Authorities have urged citizens to stay away from the riverbanks and cooperate with rescue personnel.
As the search and rescue operation continues, further updates are expected. The incident has left the community in shock, and people are eagerly awaiting news of the rescue efforts. The administration is working tirelessly to ensure that all possible measures are taken to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to the affected families.
The incident has also raised questions about the structural integrity of bridges in tourist areas and the need for regular maintenance and inspections. As the investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Rescue teams are working diligently to locate and rescue those who were swept away by the river. The situation remains critical, and the public is advised to follow official updates and instructions from local authorities.
