Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 15 (ANI): Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday expressed grief over the tragic collapse of a bridge on the Indrayani River in Maharashtra's Pune, which led to the death of four people and several others injured.

In a post on X, the Congress leader extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the safety of those still missing.

'The news of the drowning of many people due to the collapse of the bridge on the 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,' he said.

He further urged the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations to assist those affected by the tragedy.

An old narrow bridge over the Indrayani River near Talegaon in Maharashtra's Pune district collapsed on Sunday afternoon, leaving at least four people dead and dozens injured, officials said.

The incident prompted authorities to launch immediate search and rescue operations.

According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 39 people were rescued and four bodies recovered.

'A narrow bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala, Pune, collapsed. 35 people were rescued initially by local efforts. NDRF, in joint ops with civil administration, rescued 4 more alive & recovered 4 bodies. Rescue operations are ongoing,' the NDRF said in a post on X.

The Maharashtra government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those killed in the incident.'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,' the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Cyprus, spoke to CM Fadnavis to take stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he is in constant touch with senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Tehsildar.'It was very sad to hear the news of the accident in which a bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed at Indori near Talegaon in Pune district. According to preliminary information, 2 people have died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. We share the grief of their families,' he said in a post on X.

He added, 'I am in constant touch with the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police and the concerned Tehsildar regarding this incident. As some people have been swept away, a search is being carried out for them. NDRF has been deployed at the spot. Relief work has been given immediate impetus...all the agencies have been ordered to be put on alert mode...they have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with CM Fadnavis and praised the NDRF's swift action. 'Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. Spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and inquired about the present situation on the ground,' Shah said in a post on X.

'NDRF teams posted nearby quickly rushed to the site, joined the rescue operation, and saved several lives with remarkable promptness. Heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,' he added. (ANI)