New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Senior Congress leader Pawar Khera expressed his condolences to the families of the people who were killed in the Pune bridge collapse incident on Sunday, saying that 'public safety should not be an afterthought.'

Expressing sorrow over the people's deaths, the Congress leader said that the lives lost in this disaster were a reminder of the cost of negligence.

'The collapse of the footbridge over the Indrayani River in Pune's Maval tehsil is a heartbreaking tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and our thoughts are with those injured or still missing. Each life lost in this avoidable disaster is a painful reminder of the cost of neglect. Public safety should not be an afterthought,' Khera posted on X.

He went on to appreciate the efforts of the search and rescue teams invested in saving lives and rescuing those who have been trapped.

'In this moment of immense grief, we are deeply grateful for the brave and tireless efforts of the search and rescue teams. Grief must be met with accountability. But today, we stand first with those who are grieving, and honour the spirit of those still searching, and still hoping,' Khera added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil informed that the rescue teams were working to save people, while the injured were rushed to the civil hospital for treatment.

He said the bridge collapsed since many tourists flocked to the same area despite restrictions imposed.

'Till now, injured people have been admitted to the (Civil) hospital... The rescue operation is going on in full swing. NDRF and SDRF have come here for the same, along with volunteering organisations and locals... This bridge was restricted for people and two-wheelers, but since people were excited about monsoon tourism, many tourists flocked to the bridge, and it collapsed,' Patil told ANI.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who were killed in the Pune bridge collapse. The state government will also bear the cost of the medical treatment of the injured.

'CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse incident on the Indrayani river near Talegaon in Pune district. Additionally, the state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured,' CMO Maharashtra posted on X.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Devendra Fadnavis to inquire about the ongoing rescue operations after a bridge on the Indrayani river collapsed in Kundamala, which remains a popular tourist attraction in Talegaon Dabhade.

The Prime Minister, currently in Cyprus, was briefed about the ongoing efforts to assist those affected.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered his 'heartfelt condolences' to the families of the deceased and hoped for the safety of those who still remain missing.

'The news of drowning of many people due to the collapse of the bridge on Indrayani river in Pune is extremely sad. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and hope for the safety of those who are still missing. There is an appeal to the administration that relief and rescue operations should be carried out with full promptness,' Gandhi posed on X.

The NDRF is conducting search operations for those swept away, and all agencies are on high alert to expedite relief efforts. The injured are receiving medical care at nearby hospitals. (ANI)