Iron bridge over Pune's Indrayani river collapses, many feared dead

An iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune collapsed and officials informed that several people are feared to have been swept away in the water current. 

As per PTI, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has launched rescue operations so far 3 people have been saved. The incident occurred near Kundmala area in Maval tehsil. 

Kundamala, is a popular tourist destination in Pune and people throng the area during monsoons. According to NDTV, around 15 to 20 tourists, who were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, fell into the swollen river and were reportedly swept away. The Kundamala region has been seeing heavy rains over the past few days, giving the river a steady flow. 

"As per preliminary information, two persons have died in the collapse, while some are feared swept away. Five to six persons have been rescued as per initial information and have been sent to hospital for check ups," an an official from Talegaon Dabhade police station said.

Teams of the NDRF and personnel from other specialised units, including the fire brigade, are at the spot, which was crowded due to it being a Sunday. The area is heavily patronised by picnickers, the police official said.

(This is a developing story)

India