Pune, June 15, 2025 – On Sunday afternoon, a tragic event in Pune’s Maval taluka took
place when an old iron bridge on the Indrayani River collapsed, near Kundmala village,
throwing several tourists into the fast-flowing river. The accident happened around 3:30
PM left at least four dead, 32 others injured, and 25–30 tourists were unaccounted for, as
they were feared swept away by the strong river current in early reports from local
authorities.
A Popular Spot Turns Deadly
Kundmala, a picturesque tourist spot located near Talegaon Dabhade, boasts a charming dam
and stunning waterfalls. Hundreds visit, especially in the monsoon season. After the downpour,
the river was swollen. The iron bridge, which is over 30 years and in questionable condition,
was filled with nearly 100 people when it collapsed. Many people were there during the
weekend for tourist purposes, and some were spectators of the river. Witnesses described a
vision of chaos as the bridge gave way so suddenly, sending tourists, including families and
young jockular men, into the powerful waters. “It just happened so fast. People were screaming
and some people were holding the railing, but the water was just too powerful,” said one local
eyewitness who saw the whole thing. The bridge that joined a village and was frequently used
by tourists and pilgrims to visit the nearby Kundmala Devi Temple was cited as unsafe, with a
sign placed last year warning visitors not to use it.
Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
A huge rescue effort was made after the collapse, including local police, villagers and two
teams from the National Disaster Response Force personnel (NDRF). Boats, divers and drones
are being used to locate those we’re missing and cranes are being used to free people trapped
under the rubble. As of late Sunday night, 38 we’ve rescued. 18 suffered serious injuries and
were treated across three hospitals. Six of the injured people are in critical condition.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he was very saddened by the tragedy,
confirming the deaths and injuries in a post on X: “I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of
the tragedy that occurred with the bridge over the Indrayani River breaking in Indori, near
Talegaon in Pune district. Preliminary information reports that 2 people lost their lives in this
incident. I now offer heartfelt tribute to them,” he stated, clearly rescue is being done on a” war
footing” stating he continues to communicate with the local authority, guaranteeing any
assistance can be given.
Questions of Negligence and Accountability
Initial investigations indicate the bridge’s collapse was the result of age and lack of
maintenance, plus crowd size and pressure from the rising river levels after heavy rains. Ajit
Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “This was an old and rusted bridge and
many people were standing on it at the time”. Reports suggest the administration closed the
bridge 2–3 months before the incident, but tourists continued to use the bridge. Was there
administration oversight or enforcement?
Resident Satish Gade blamed mismanagement for the oversight, citing, “It was a matter of
proper maintenance (from local politicians) and lives could have been saved.” NCP MP,
Supriya Sule, who visited the site and hospitals with the injured, said it was “deeply
unfortunate” and called upon the public to be more mindful of events during the monsoon
season. She also confirm that the state government “will be providing immediate relief and
medical assistance.”
Official Response and Compensation
The Chief Minister Fadnavis announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who
have died and maintained that the government wants to look after the impacted individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Fadnavis, offering all assistance as possible,
on relief operations. The leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) Anand Dubey emphasised that the bridge
should have been barricaded since this was a “preventable disaster” and seeks accountability.
A Call for Safety and Vigilance
The collapse has generated some alarm about the vulnerability of parks and attractions
frequented by tourists in places where migration and erosion of riverbanks can create risk
during the peak season of rains, or the rainy season, when the water levels go up, which makes
many of them unsafe. The area has been shut down to prevent further incidents, and a long
investigation is being undertaken to determine what destroyed the attraction and if anyone was
negligent.
As rescue operations continue, Pune and all of Maharashtra mourn the loss of lives and pray
for the people who are still missing. This tragedy shows us just how important proper
maintenance and stricter safety guidelines are at popular attractions and other tourist locations
and we do not want events like this to become a normal part of life in the future.