Two Killed in Bridge Collapse at Popular Tourist Destination

At least two people were killed and more than 30 injured when a bridge collapsed over the Indrayani River in the Pune district of India's western Maharashtra state.

A large group of people were on the iron bridge Sunday when it "suddenly" gave way, according to BBC News. The location has become a tourist hotspot, with "thousands" of people making their way to the bridge on weekends. 

In addition to the two deaths, at least six people were hospitalized in critical condition, according to Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra. 

"Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident of a bridge collapse over the Indrayani River near Talegaon, Indori in Pune district," Fadnavis said in a social media post. "As per information received till now, 2 persons have lost their lives. My deepest condolences to their families. We share their grief in this difficult time. We stand with the bereaved families."

Fadnavis added that some victims were swept away, and ongoing rescue missions were being conducted "with full speed and efforts."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called and spoke with Fadnavis and "expressed deep grief over the incident," according to a tweet from Fadnavis' official government account.

"Hon PM assured the State Government of all required assistance in this relief operation," the tweet said.

Sunday's bridge collapse comes after India experienced two aviation tragedies, including the crash of an Air India flight on Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of 241 people aboard the flight. One one person survived the accident.

Also on Sunday, seven people were killed in a helicopter crash northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The chopper sadly crashed in what should have been a 10-minute flight, per the BBC.

source https://www.mensjournal.com/news/two-killed-in-bridge-collapse-at-popular-tourist-destination