A startling incident occurred in Pune on Friday, as a municipal truck from the Civic Sanitation Department fell into a massive sinkhole near the City Post Office at Belbag Chowk, causing widespread panic. The video of the event, which has since gone viral, shows the truck being swallowed by the ground in a densely populated area, sparking concerns about public safety.The incident took place around 4:30 PM in the busy Peth area, when the truck, equipped with a jetting machine used for cleaning drainage lines, was working on sewage repairs initiated by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The ground beneath the truck gave way, creating a large sinkhole, which engulfed the vehicle almost entirely, leaving only the cabin part visible above the surface.#WATCH महाराष्ट्र | पुणे शहर के बुधवार पेठ इलाके में सिटी पोस्ट ऑफिस परिसर का एक हिस्सा धंसने से एक ट्रक गड्ढे में पूरा समा गया। ट्रक पुणे नगर निगम का है और जल निकासी सफाई के काम के लिए वहां गया था।(सीसीटीवी फुटेज सोर्स: पुणे सिटी पोस्ट ऑफिस) pic.twitter.com/ifweyXCB2f— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 20, 2024Miraculously, the driver of the truck managed to jump out just in time, avoiding serious injury. The fire brigade, which quickly responded to the scene, confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries in the incident. The driver and the equipment operator are safe, and there was no loss of life, said a fire brigade official.The sinkhole appeared as repair work was being carried out on the local sewage system. For weeks, residents of the area had lodged complaints about sewage channel blockages. On Friday afternoon, the Municipal Corporation contractor had brought the truck and workers to fix the ongoing issues when the ground suddenly collapsed.Witnesses at the scene described the shocking moment when the truck began to sink into the ground. It happened so quickly. One moment the truck was parked, and the next, the earth just gave way beneath it, one local resident said.Public reaction and concernsThe sinkhole has sparked widespread concern in the city, with residents worried about the state of the infrastructure and the potential for similar accidents in other areas. The area around Belbag Chowk is known for its heavy foot and vehicular traffic, raising fears that a similar incident in a busier part of the city could have catastrophic consequences.Officials from the Municipal Corporation are currently investigating the cause of the sinkhole. Early assessments suggest that the ongoing repair work on the sewage system may have destabilized the ground, leading to the collapse. The road has been cordoned off, and repair work has been temporarily halted while authorities assess the extent of the damage.While no lives were lost in the incident, the sinkhole and the dramatic fall of the municipal truck have raised significant safety concerns in Pune. The viral video of the truck sinking has heightened public awareness, and local authorities are under pressure to ensure that further such incidents are prevented through rigorous infrastructure assessments and timely repairs.
