Pune, June 15, 2025 — A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when a decades-old iron pedestrian bridge collapsed over the Indrayani River near Kundamala village in Maval taluka, Pune district. The accident occurred around 3:30 PM, just as the area was bustling with visitors due to the weekend.
According to officials, at least four people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured, six of them critically. Several people were flung into the river due to the sudden collapse, prompting a swift rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire brigade.
Eyewitnesses say the bridge, which was built nearly 30 years ago, gave way under the weight of a large crowd, many of whom were tourists enjoying the scenic area after the monsoon showers. Authorities suspect that excessive crowding, coupled with the bridge’s age and weakened structure, contributed to the disaster.
Rescue operations continued late into the evening. As of the latest reports, multiple individuals have been rescued, but a few are still feared missing.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences and assured full support from the central government.
“The incident is heartbreaking. We have ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and whether there was any negligence in its maintenance,” said a senior official from the Pune district administration.
The government has also ordered a structural audit of old pedestrian bridges across the region to prevent such tragedies in the future.