NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has said that Sunday’s tragic bridge collapse in Pune’s Maval tehsil to structural failure caused by rust and excessive crowding. Speaking to reporters after the incident, 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.”The incident occurred around 3.30 PM in the Kundamala area, a popular picnic spot on the Indrayani River, which had been swollen due to days of heavy rainfall. While it wasn’t raining at the time, at least 100 picnickers were reportedly present on the old iron bridge when it gave way.Four people have been killed and at least 18 people were seriously injured in the collapse. Search teams are still looking for at least three individuals, including a child, believed to be trapped under the collapsed structure.

Bridge condition, overcrowding and ignored warnings under scrutiny

The collapsed bridge, described as a pedestrian-only structure, had a warning board barring the entry of two-wheelers. Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, who reached the spot to oversee rescue efforts, said the bridge caved in under the weight of a large crowd.“The bridge was meant only for pedestrians. It seems people on the bridge did not pay heed to the instructions, which caused the incident,” Mahajan said. He announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased and confirmed that cranes were being used to remove the debris.District officials confirmed that three hospitals are currently treating the injured. A probe has also been ordered into the lack of police presence despite the area’s popularity during the monsoon season.Union home minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and were briefed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the ongoing relief work. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local police and fire departments, are continuing their efforts to locate the missing.