Bridge collapse at popular tourist destination in India kills at least 2 dead, injures 32

At least two people died and 32 others were injured after an iron bridge over a river collapsed Sunday in a popular tourist destination in western Maharashtra in India, said the senior elected official of the state.

Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, said that at least six people had been hospitalized in critical condition because of their injuries. In social media jobFadnavis said he was “deeply saddened to learn the tragic incident” and offered condolences to the families of deceased victims.

The local media reported that dozens of tourists were on the bridge when it collapses, plunging a lot into the swollen river. Fadnavis also admitted that people had been swept away and said that a research operation was underway to find them. Six people have been saved so far, he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “expressed his deep sorrow” on the collapse in a telephone conversation with Fadnavis where he is committed to providing the resources necessary for the government of the State of Maharashtra, according to at the office of the chief minister.

The incident occurred in the Kundamala region, in the Pune district, which has experienced heavy rains in recent days, giving the river a constant 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 the national strength teams response to disasters and other research and recovery units have undertaken rescue operations, said Press Trust.

India’s infrastructure has long been spoiled by safety problems, sometimes leading to major disasters on its highways and bridges.

In 2022, a centennial cable suspension bridge collapsed in a river in the western state of Gujarat, sending hundreds of diving into water and killing at least 132 in one of the worst accidents in the last decade.