Pune Bridge Collapse: Eyewitness Calls Survival a ‘Rebirth’ Amid Sudden Tragedy

A tragic incident unfolded in Maharashtra’s Pune bridge collapse district on a quiet Sunday afternoon when an old narrow bridge over the Indrayani River near Talegaon collapsed, causing a major catastrophe. This Pune bridge collapse resulted in four deaths and injuries to 51 people, leaving the community in shock and demanding urgent accountability.

Eyewitnesses Describe Horror of the Pune Bridge Collapse

The Pune bridge collapse occurred around 3:15 PM, when a footbridge—over three decades old and already flagged as unsafe—gave way under the weight of over 150 to 200 people.

Swapnil Kollam, one of the survivors, shared his experience: “There were more than 150 people on the bridge when it collapsed. At the spot of the collapse, there were over 50 people. It’s by God’s grace that my family is safe.”

Another eyewitness, Nikhil Kollam, added, “It felt like a divine intervention that we survived. Today feels like a rebirth.”

What Caused the Pune Bridge Collapse?

While investigations are ongoing, officials believe that the heavy load combined with structural weaknesses was the primary reason behind the Pune bridge collapse. The bridge, aged nearly 30 years, had already been declared dangerous by authorities.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the administration had identified 500 vulnerable spots, including bridges, across Pune for pre-monsoon safety checks. Yet, action on some of them, including this one, remained delayed.

Official Response to the Pune Bridge Collapse

District Collector Jitendra Dudi confirmed the deaths of four individuals—Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, Vihaan Mane, and one unidentified male. He stated, “51 injured have been admitted to various hospitals. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.”

The Pune bridge collapse prompted immediate action from state authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to CM Fadnavis to take stock of the situation. The bridge site is located in Maval tehsil, a region known for heavy tourist footfall, especially during monsoon.

Congress Demands Accountability for Pune Bridge Collapse

The opposition, led by the Congress party, has criticized the government for failing to act in time. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi both expressed sorrow and called the incident “avoidable and tragic.”

Pawan Khera from the Congress media wing added, “This heartbreaking tragedy reflects systemic negligence. Those responsible for the Pune bridge collapse must be held accountable under the law.”

Victims and Injuries: The Human Cost of Pune Bridge Collapse

The Pune bridge collapse claimed four lives and left over 50 others with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Many of the injured were tourists visiting the area for the weekend, unaware of the danger the aging bridge posed.

Locals reported that after recent heavy rains, the river was already flowing forcefully, and any structural fault in the bridge would have been more vulnerable.

Bridge Declared Dangerous But Still in Use

As per reports, the pedestrian bridge had been labeled as dangerous by the collectorate, and warning signs had been posted. However, foot traffic continued, especially on weekends. A new bridge had already been sanctioned, and construction had begun, but not soon enough to prevent this Pune bridge collapse.

What’s Next After the Pune Bridge Collapse?

In the aftermath of the Pune bridge collapse, CM Fadnavis assured the public that an inquiry has been initiated. He confirmed that swift action will be taken against any officials or departments found guilty of negligence.

Meanwhile, local NGOs and volunteers have stepped in to support the victims and their families with food, medical aid, and emotional support.

Conclusion

The Pune bridge collapse is a somber reminder of the importance of infrastructure audits and timely government intervention. As Pune and Maharashtra mourn their loss, the demand for accountability grows louder.

Proper lessons must be learned, and necessary action must be taken to ensure such a disaster never repeats. For now, the city prays for the recovery of the injured and justice for the victims.

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