Bridge closed to heavy vehicles collapses as truck drives over it

An old, dilapidated bridge on the Gunjawani river in Rajgad taluka of Pune district , already closed for heavy vehicles, collapsed on Saturday evening when a partially loaded Eicher truck attempted to cross it.

Truck driver Raju Tanaji Minde, a resident of Kodawadi in Rajgad, sustained minor injuries, police said.

The iron bridge on the Padbaba Mori–Kodawadi road had developed rust and cracks, following which it was closed for heavy vehicles on June 19 this year. The Pune Zilla Parishad had also installed a notice board announcing the closure.

However, around 4.30 pm, a truck carrying rubble and headed towards Kodawadi tried to cross the bridge. It collapsed under the vehicle’s weight, causing the truck to fall through and injure the driver. A team from the Velhe police station, led by assistant police inspector Kishor Shevate, rushed to the spot.