“We have received various versions of the incident. As per the preliminary information, the bridge was old and rusted. Many people were standing on the bridge when it collapsed,” Pawar said after visiting the site.
Pune Bridge Collapse: Structural damage and excessive load identified as cause
According to officials, the bridge was designed only for pedestrians and not meant to carry large crowds. A warning board at the site prohibited the entry of two-wheelers. However, officials believe the advisory was ignored.
Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan said, “The bridge was meant only for pedestrians. It seems people on the bridge did not pay heed to the instructions, which caused the incident.” He confirmed that the bridge gave way under the weight of the crowd and announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.
Pune Bridge Collapse Deaths
Four people lost their lives in the collapse, while at least 18 sustained serious injuries. Search operations are ongoing for three missing persons, including a child. Cranes and rescue equipment are being used to clear debris.
Pune Bridge Collapse: Probe and rescue efforts underway
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the structural state of the bridge and the absence of crowd control at the site, which is a known tourist location during the monsoon.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the relief work. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire department are continuing the rescue operations.(Inputs from TOI)