Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 16 (ANI): Following the tragic bridge collapse over Indrayani river in Maharashtra‘s Pune district, where four lives were lost, a high-level meeting of top administrators of the state was convened on Monday. The meeting was chaired by the State Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, at her office, with the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department Secretary (Roads), Divisional Commissioner of Pune, Pune District Collector, Pune Chief Executive Officer, officials from Public Works Department, and Pune Superintendent of Police joining virtually.

The collapse, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, resulted in four deaths and left 51 injured, as per Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi.The deceased were identified as Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, and Vihaan Mane, while the fourth remains unidentified.Speaking to ANI, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said, “A total of 51 people are injured and admitted to different hospitals, taking treatment, and four individuals have died. Three were identified as Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, and Vihaan Mane, and one was male but unidentified.”

“The incident happened at 3:15 pm and we got the information at 3:30 pm. A team of about 250 people immediately came here. The rescue operation started, and so far we have rescued about 38 people,” he added.Meanwhile, search and rescue operations resumed earlier on Monday near the river located in Talegaon in Maharashtra‘s Pune district.

As per officials, two teams have been deployed to actively engage in the search and rescue efforts, focusing on locating any remaining missing persons amidst ongoing rainfall in the region. One of the survivors, who was injured in the bridge collapse, recalled that there was a huge crowd, which had gathered at one place on the bridge before the bridge collapsed.Speaking to ANI, the man recalled that the people standing in the middle of the bridge were swept away in Indrayani river.”

There was a huge crowd on the bridge. The road was jammed due to vehicles coming from both sides. The crowd gathered in one place, and the bridge collapsed. People standing in the middle of the bridge were swept away. We fell on the stones and got injured,” he said.”The injured are being treated in the hospital. We have not received any complaints of missing people. Four people have died in the incident,” he added. (ANI)

Pune bridge collapse: Rs 5 lakh aid announced for families of deceased, says District Collecto

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 16 (ANI): Following the collapse of a bridge over the Indrayani River in Maharashtra‘s Pune district on Sunday afternoon, the district administration on Monday announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the four individuals who lost their lives in the tragedy.

According to Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, the announcement is part of a broader response to the incident, which saw 55 people fall into the river.

Of these, 51 were successfully rescued, and 38 are currently receiving treatment.Speaking to ANI, Dudi provided an update on the situation, noting that an aerial survey was conducted today to finalize the search operation, ensuring no one remains unaccounted for.”

A total of 55 people fell due to the bridge collapse. Out of 55, 51 people were successfully rescued. Treatment for 38 people is still going on in the hospital. The condition of all the persons is stable. Unfortunately, four people died, and their bodies have been identified.

There is no report of a missing person now. This afternoon, we conducted an aerial survey at the spot to finalise the search operation,” Dudi stated.

Dudi also outlined the formation of a probe team to investigate the collapse, comprising officers from the Irrigation Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Forest Department, and Police. “We have formed a team under the District Collector with officers from the Irrigation Department, PWD, Forest dept, and Police – to probe the incident, bring out the shortcomings, and review the existing SOPs,” he said, emphasising the need to identify lapses and strengthen safety protocols.

Additionally, he has requested a structural report on all old bridges in the region to assess their condition and prevent future tragedies.The District Collector reiterated a public appeal to avoid visiting such locations during the monsoon season, given the heightened risks. “

Again, I appeal to the public to avoid visiting such places during the monsoon season. I have asked for a structural report on all old bridges… Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each will be given to the families of each deceased,” he added.

Earlier today, a high-level meeting of top administrators of the state was convened, chaired by the State Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, at her office, with the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department Secretary (Roads), Divisional Commissioner of Pune, Pune District Collector, Pune Chief Executive Officer, officials from the Public Works Department, and Pune Superintendent of Police joining virtually. (ANI)