Bridge Collapse in Pune Kills 2, Injures 32: Rescue Operations Ongoing
An unfortunate event occurs in Pune when a bridge collapse in pune. Late on Sunday night a pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune collapsed leaving two people dead and at least thirty-two injured in a tragic event. At 7:30 p. m. the bridge that linked two densely populated neighborhoods close to Alandi collapsed as commuters were making their way home.
Hundreds of people were thrown into the river according to witnesses, as the bridge started to tremble. People in the area screamed for assistance and hurried to save those in the water as panic struck. I was just a few paces from the edge when the bridge trembled like an earthquake according to Ramesh Patil a local shopkeeper. I saw people falling in a matter of seconds some of them getting trapped in the building that had collapsed.
As authorities rush to the scene locals are the first to respond:
The first responders acted quickly, pulling injured individuals from the river and calling for assistance. Soon after they arrived rescue operations were launched under the floodlights by teams from the local police fire department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Our teams have removed all victims that are visible but we are still looking through the debris and river to make sure no one else is still trapped said NDRF Commandant Rajeev Thakur. They’ve sent out boats, cranes and divers and theyre using drones to survey the area from above. The search will go on according to officials until every component of the fallen building has been examined in detail.
Emergency rooms in hospitals are overcrowded:
The wounded have been taken to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital and Sassoon General Hospital two local hospitals. Some of the injured are in critical condition but the majority are stable. At Sassoon General, Dr.Shalini Rao stated We received more than 20 patients with injuries ranging from head trauma to fractures. To make sure everything is stabilized our teams are working nonstop. Authorities are working to inform the families of the two deceased victims so their identities have not yet been made public.
The cause of the collapse is being looked into:
Its still unclear exactly what caused the collapse. However early inspections suggest that years of poor maintenance and heavy monsoon rains may have weakened the structure officials say. The bridge required repair because it was old. We are investigating the possibility that overcapacity recent rainfall or structural damage were involved stated Dr. Rajendra Deshmukh the Pune Municipal Commissioner. Constructed more than twenty years ago the bridge was an essential path for light vehicles and pedestrians. In recent years locals have frequently voiced concerns about its safety. For months the cracks were visible. Shubha More who lives in the neighboring Bhosari neighborhood said We complained but nothing was done. Action shouldnt be delayed until lives are lost.
The chief minister of Maharashtra promises prompt action:
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Maharashtra conveyed sorrow over the deaths and promised the impacted families his full support. We are closely monitoring the situation he said in a statement. Until everyone has been found rescue efforts will continue. To look into the collapse a high-level inquiry has been mandated. Additionally he declared ₹50000 in compensation for those hurt and ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. In addition Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have offered their condolences. Modi wrote on social media Saddened by the tragic bridge collapse in Pune. I’m sending up prayers for the families of the deceased. I wish the injured a quick recovery.
A city gripped by grief and shock:
The incident has angered and unsettled Pune residents. Many have questioned the negligence of the civic authorities and demanded accountability for the tragedy. Schools and colleges in the area were closed on Monday out of respect. Local community organizations are holding candlelight vigils to honor the victims and call for increased infrastructure security. I cross that bridge every day. According to local educator Anita Joshi it might have been my daughter or me. We trust the city to keep us safe. That trust has now been violated.
Urban Infrastructure: A Wake-Up Call?
Ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance are highlighted by the recent collapse of the Pune bridge which is the most recent in a string of similar incidents throughout India. Many pedestrian bridges in urban areas are old and urgently need to be inspected, according to experts.
Prioritizing infrastructure maintenance is essential, particularly prior to the monsoon season, according to Prof. One of Pune University’s civil engineers is Arvind Desai. What transpired in Pune is regrettable but avoidable.
According to reports, the Pune Municipal Corporation has started examining other bridges in the area and will likely publish a report in the days ahead.
Moving Forward: Accountability and Safety:
As rescue operations continue and investigations begin Pune is deeply saddened by the deaths of two of its own. Many are soberly reminded by the incident that safety is something that should no longer be taken for granted. Even though officials have promised to move swiftly the public is looking for answers, accountability and real change, not just assurances.
For More Information about bridge collapse in pune:
Visit https://pune.gov.in for official updates and rescue status.
