A disastrous accident hit Pune’s Kundmala region on Sunday when a bridge above the Indrayani river collapsed, resulting in the death of at least six tourists. Many more are suspected to have drowned having been swept away by the swollen river.
Bridge Collapses Amid High Tourist Footfall
The accident took place in Kundmala, a popular monsoon hotspot in Pune district, which attracts many tourists every season. Between 15 and 20 tourists were standing on the bridge when it gave way suddenly because of the river’s strong currents, after two consecutive days of heavy rains in the region.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Emergency responders, such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the local police, arrived soon to start search and rescue efforts. Eight people have been rescued so far from the water. But two women are reportedly still trapped under the collapsed building.
Warnings Ignored Despite Safety Concerns
Locals in the Maval area of Pune rural, on which the bridge is situated, had raised structural problems about the bridge earlier. Even though the bridge was repaired four to five years back, safety concerns were reportedly ignored. Tourists were unaware of the danger and continued to visit the site in huge numbers during the current monsoon season.
Weather Alert in Effect
The collapse follows a yellow alert for Pune and surrounding areas issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), indicating heavy to very heavy rain, especially in the ghat sections. Citizens were warned of possible dangers resulting from the current heavy rainfall by the authorities.
As rescue operations extend into the night, the authorities are optimistic more survivors can be rescued from the river. The accident has raised new fears about the safety of infrastructure at tourist spots in the area.