Bridge Collapse Kills Two, Injures 32 In Pune, India

An iron bridge over the Indrayani River near Kundamala in Pune, Maharashtra, collapsed on Sunday, resulting in at least two deaths and injuring over 30 people, with several others swept away by the river's strong currents. Approximately 125 people were on the decades-old, structurally weak bridge when it gave way, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force, fire brigade, local police, and volunteers. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed six people were rescued in critical condition and urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate rescue efforts. The injured have been admitted to multiple hospitals, with some requiring surgery for fractures and head injuries. The state government has announced compensation for victims and pledged to cover medical expenses, while a full investigation into the bridge's collapse and the condition of similar structures has been ordered. Officials attribute the disaster in part to recent heavy rainfall that swelled the river, although it was not raining at the time of the collapse.