Bridge collapses at tourist hotspot in India, dozens swept away
The deadly incident near Pune district highlights long-standing concerns over India’s infrastructure safety
The state’s top elected official, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, wrote on social media that at least six people were hospitalised in critical condition.
Local media reported that scores of tourists were on the bridge when it collapsed, plunging many into the swollen river.
Fadnavis said six people were rescued and that an intense search operation was under way as some people were swept away.
The incident occurred in Kundamala area in Pune district, which has witnessed heavy rains over the past few days, giving the river a steady flow, Press Trust of India reported.
It was not raining when the bridge collapsed in an area frequented by picnickers, the news agency reported.
Police said teams of the National Disaster Response Force and other search and recovery units had undertaken rescue operations, according to the Press Trust of India.