Indrayani river bridge near Pune was rusted, collapsed probably due to crowding: Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said the iron bridge over the Indrayani river was rusted and prima facie it gave way as several people were standing on the structure, killing two individuals.

Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi said 38 people had been rescued so far, and 30 of them hospitalised, while six others sustained serious injuries.

The collector said the exact number of people present on the bridge when it collapsed and was swept away is being assessed. "We are also assessing how many people are missing," he added.

The incident occurred in the Kundamala area of Maval tehsil frequented by picnickers, officials said. They said the area had been receiving heavy rains over the past few days, sending the river into a spate.

Pawar said, “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.”

He said a plan for constructing a new bridge over the river was sanctioned.