Pune Bridge Tragedy: Old Iron Bridge Over Indrayani River Collapses, 4 Dead, 40 Rescued

A tragic incident unfolded in Pimpri-Chinchwad near Pune on Sunday when an old iron bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed due to heavy rainfall and strong water currents. The sudden collapse led to panic as several people were present on the bridge at the time. So far, four people have been confirmed dead, and over 40 individuals were successfully rescued by emergency teams.Authorities say the bridge had been officially closed for years, but access routes were still open, allowing tourists and locals to reach the site. A warning board was in place advising people to stay off the bridge, but many ignored it. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment when the water's force swept parts of the bridge and people with it. The tragedy could have been worse, but a safety mesh installed by a local rotary club helped prevent further casualties.Search operations using advanced equipment, including thermal drones and white-water rafts, are still underway to ensure no one is missing. As of now, there are no official reports of missing persons. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from rivers and dams during the monsoon, especially for selfies or sightseeing, as the risks are severe and unpredictable.