Pune Bridge Collapse Highlights: NDRF ends Kundamala rescue operations after 4 deaths; bridge declared ‘dangerous’

Pune bridge collapse: Teams of NDRF, fire brigade and Pune police undertake rescue operation after a bridge collapsed over Indrayani River on Sunday. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)

Pune Indrayani River Bridge Collapse News Highlights:  The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) on Monday said that rescue operations at the Kundamala bridge collapse site have ended, as all missing persons have been accounted for. Four people are confirmed dead and two bodies have been recovered from the spot, officials said Sunday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the bridge has been declared dangerous by the district collector, and warning boards had been put up at the site.

PM Modi speaks to Fadnavis Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Cyprus, spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the incident. While expressing grief over the loss of lives, PM Modi assured all possible assistance in relief measures. The collapsed bridge was frequently used by tourists to cross the river or stop for photographs. Authorities believe the structure may have given way under the weight of the weekend crowd. In response to the scale of the incident, both NDRF teams and Pimpri-Chinchwad police officials have been mobilised.

Collector had issued prohibitory orders: Earlier this month, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi had issued prohibitory orders restricting tourists from approaching water bodies and certain natural sites, citing safety concerns due to the intensified monsoon. The incident occurred near Kund Mala in Talegaon, a popular tourist destination located about 30 km from Pune, known for its natural sinkholes, gorges, and unique rock formations.