Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Jun 16: A quiet Sunday afternoon turned tragic when an old footbridge over the Indrayani River in Pune's Talegaon area collapsed, sending more than 100 people into the river. The incident left four dead and at least 51 injured, with rescue operations ongoing late into the evening.
Eyewitnesses described the horror of the collapse. Swapnil Kollam, who was on the bridge with his family, said, “There were around 150-200 people on the bridge. Where it collapsed, there were over 50 people. It is God's grace that my family is safe.” Another witness, Nikhil Kollam, said, “It is Lord Ram’s grace that we are safe. Today is the rebirth of me and my family.”
The bridge gave way at around 3:15 PM. According to District Collector Jitendra Dudi, the deceased include Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, Vihaan Mane, and one unidentified man. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals.
Political reactions followed swiftly. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge termed it a “deeply distressing and avoidable tragedy,” while Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the drowning deaths and demanded accountability. Congress leader Pawan Khera called the collapse a “heartbreaking tragedy.”
The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, but the age and overcrowding on the bridge are likely contributing factors.