-->
Home LATESTNEWS Pune Indrayani Bridge Collapse: 2 Dead, Tourists Missing in River Disaster
Pune Indrayani Bridge Collapse: 2 Dead, Tourists Missing in River Disaster

Pune Indrayani Bridge Collapse: 2 Dead, Tourists Missing in River Disaster

By June 15, 2025

Pune Bridge Collapse

Pune Indrayani River Bridge Collapse Kills Two, Leaves Several Missing

Pune, June 15, 2025 – A catastrophic collapse of an aging iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune’s Maval tehsil claimed at least two lives and left several tourists feared missing on Sunday afternoon. The incident, occurring around 4:00 PM in the bustling Kundamala area—a popular weekend getaway—came after heavy rainfall swelled the river, complicating rescue efforts and sparking urgent calls for infrastructure safety reforms.

The bridge, estimated to be 30 years old and known for its shaky structure, buckled under a throng of tourists, casting dozens into the raging waters below. Local residents had long raised alarms about the bridge’s deteriorating condition, but many visitors, drawn to the picturesque site during the monsoon, were unaware of the danger. The river’s intensified flow, worsened by recent floods, is suspected to have contributed to the structural failure, per initial reports.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed two fatalities and expressed profound grief, posting on X, “The tragic news of a bridge collapse over the Indrayani River in Indori, near Talegaon, is heart-wrenching. Preliminary reports indicate two deaths. My deepest condolences to their families.” He reported 32 injuries, with six in critical condition, and assured that rescue operations were proceeding with utmost urgency.

Rescue efforts began immediately, with local residents and police launching initial attempts before two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams arrived. To date, 38 people have been rescued, but 10 to 15 individuals are still feared trapped in debris or carried away by the current. NDRF, alongside fire services and community volunteers, employed boats, diving equipment, and cranes to scour the turbulent river and clear wreckage. Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad noted that 6 to 7 injured individuals are under medical care.

Kundamala, nestled between Talegaon Dabhade and Dehu village, attracts picnickers and devotees, especially during the monsoon for its scenic beauty. On Sunday, an estimated 100 to 125 tourists crowded the bridge, some capturing photos, when it abruptly gave way. “It collapsed in moments, with no warning,” recounted former Cantonment Board Vice President Raghuvir Shelar, estimating 20 to 25 people were swept away.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde pledged a comprehensive structural review of all similar bridges in Maharashtra to avert future disasters, acknowledging prior concerns about the bridge’s condition. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, who visited the site, described the event as “deeply tragic” and urged tourists to prioritize safety during the monsoon, stressing compliance with regulations.

The collapse has fueled criticism over neglected maintenance, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey questioning why the bridge wasn’t restricted or repaired. Earlier this month, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi issued orders limiting access to water bodies due to monsoon hazards, but enforcement at Kundamala was evidently weak. Authorities vowed a detailed probe into the collapse’s cause and committed to aiding affected families.

As rescue operations persist under difficult conditions, the tragedy highlights the critical need for robust infrastructure oversight in tourist-heavy areas. The Maharashtra government’s promise of structural reviews offers a path toward safer public spaces, but the immediate priority remains finding the missing and supporting those impacted by this heart-wrenching incident.

Article Key Points

  • Bridge Failure: On June 15, 2025, an aging iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune’s Maval tehsil collapsed at 4:00 PM near Kundamala, plunging tourists into the river.
  • Fatalities and Missing: Two deaths were confirmed, with 32 injured, six critically, and 10 to 15 tourists feared missing, possibly trapped or swept away.
  • Rescue Operations: NDRF, locals, and police rescued 38 people using boats and cranes, with efforts ongoing despite strong currents from recent heavy rains.
  • Government Response: CM Devendra Fadnavis mourned the loss and oversees rescues, while Deputy CM Eknath Shinde ordered a structural review of all similar bridges.
  • Safety Concerns: Locals had flagged the 30-year-old bridge’s poor condition, ignored by authorities; monsoon flooding likely exacerbated the collapse.
  • Tourist Safety Urged: NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule called for monsoon caution, amid criticism over lax enforcement of safety orders issued earlier by Pune officials.