Pune: A 12-year-old schoolboy fell into the Mutha River from the Yashwantrao Chavan Bridge near Poona Hospital after losing his balance on Monday evening around 5:15 PM. The fire brigade has launched a search operation following the incident.

With the substantial water discharge from Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River, many citizens have gathered on the city's bridges to observe the water flow.

According to eyewitnesses, the boy, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, was sitting on the bridge near Pune Hospital when he suddenly lost his balance and fell into the water with his school bag.

Nearby citizens immediately alerted the fire brigade control room, which quickly dispatched two teams to initiate the search. The boy was wearing a blue school uniform.

The river's current is particularly strong at present. Fire brigade personnel from the Kasba and Yerwada stations are conducting a search near Tilak Bridge and Bund Garden Bridge.

A rescue van has also been stationed at Sangam Ghat to assist in the search operation, as confirmed by fire brigade officials. This tragic incident highlights the need for increased safety measures around high-risk areas, especially during periods of heavy water discharge. The search for the missing boy continues, with hopes for a swift resolution.