Pune, June 15, 2025 – A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when a pedestrian bridge collapsed into the Indrayani River near Kundamala village in Pune district. The bridge, which was crowded with tourists and locals, gave way around 3:30 PM amid heavy rainfall and strong river currents.
What Happened
Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 people were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, many of them weekend visitors drawn to the area by the monsoon-swollen river. Suddenly, the decades-old iron bridge snapped and plunged into the river, sweeping several people away.
Initial reports have confirmed the death of two individuals, while six others have been injured—some of them critically. Rescue teams have been able to pull out at least six people alive, but an estimated 10 to 15 individuals are still missing and feared to have been carried away by the river’s strong current.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire department personnel, rushed to the scene. Rescue boats and ambulances were deployed to aid the injured and search for the missing.
Rescuers are battling against time and rising water levels to find those unaccounted for before nightfall, which could hamper the ongoing operations. As of now, the situation remains critical, and efforts are being intensified along the downstream areas of the river.
Why the Collapse Happened
The cause of the collapse appears to be a combination of factors:
- Heavy rainfall over the past few days had led to dangerously high water levels in the Indrayani River.
- The bridge, believed to be over 30 years old, had reportedly shown signs of wear and tear. Locals had previously raised concerns about its condition, though it had undergone renovation several years ago.
- Despite being designated for pedestrian use, motorcycles and an unusually large number of people were seen on the bridge at the time of the incident, which likely added to the structural load.
Reactions from Authorities
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident and confirmed the casualties. He also assured that all necessary resources had been deployed and that the government would provide support to the victims’ families.
Local MLA Sunil Shelke visited the site and acknowledged that the bridge had not been designed to handle such heavy crowds. He emphasized the importance of conducting safety audits on old infrastructure, especially during the monsoon season.
Several political leaders have called for accountability and urged the district administration to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Next Steps
- Rescue operations will continue until all missing individuals are accounted for.
- A structural review of similar bridges across the region is expected to be initiated.
- Authorities may impose new safety regulations to prevent overcrowding on bridges, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Final Thoughts
This heartbreaking accident has once again brought attention to the state of aging infrastructure in India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The monsoon season, while beautiful, can turn deadly when precautionary measures are overlooked. As families await news of their loved ones, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for better planning, timely maintenance, and stricter crowd control in high-risk zones.
May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and may the ongoing rescue efforts bring hope to the families still waiting.