Tragic Bridge Collapse in Pune: 4 Dead, Dozens Injured as Overloaded Structure Gives Way. A devastating incident unfolded on Saturday, June 15, 2025, between 3:15 PM and 3:30 PM, as an iron and concrete bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala, Maval tehsil (near Pune), tragically collapsed. the collapse, which plunged dozens into the swollen river below, has resulted in four confirmed fatalities and at least 51 injuries, with several individuals reported to be in critical condition, according to the District Collector Jitendra Dudi and various news reports (e.g., Times of India, Mint). Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted a terrifying few minutes, stating that the approximately 30-year-old bridge had been visibly shaking before it completely gave way under the immense weight of a large number of tourists and two-wheelers (as reported by OpIndia and Mint).
The Scene of the Disaster: Intensive Rescue Operations Initial estimates from local officials and reports suggest that 10 to 15 people may still be trapped beneath the debris of the collapsed structure, though the NDRF has indicated rescue operations are concluding with all missing persons accounted for (OpIndia). As of the latest updates, courageous rescue operations have successfully saved around 55 individuals, with 38 being reported earlier. An immediate and robust rescue effort was launched. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), local fire brigades, Pune police, and dedicated volunteers are actively on-site. The scale of the response highlights the severity of the situation, with boats, cranes, ambulances (at least 15 deployed), and trained divers working tirelessly to search for missing individuals and provide critical emergency medical care to the injured (AP News, Mint).
The Collapsed Bridge: A History of Overload and Neglect? The ill-fated bridge, constructed roughly three decades ago by the Public Works Department (PWD), was reportedly designed for light use, primarily by farmers, not the heavy tourist traffic it frequently bore. Authorities have pointed to severe rusting and significant overloading as the probable primary causes of the collapse. The ongoing monsoon season, with the Indrayani River swollen from recent rains, is also believed to have contributed to the catastrophic failure. According to Maharashtra Water Resources and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, the bridge collapsed due to excessive load, with reports suggesting anywhere from 100 to 300 people on the bridge at the moment of its collapse, far exceeding its intended capacity. It was also noted that the bridge had been declared unsafe and officially closed to the public just a week prior, with warning signboards installed, yet people continued to use it.
Government Responds: Probe Ordered and Aid Announced The tragic incident has elicited swift reactions from top government officials: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep concern over the disaster (AP News). He announced immediate financial assistance of ₹5 lakh (INR 500,000) for the families of the deceased and pledged full medical coverage for all those injured (AP News, Times of India). The confirmed deceased were identified as Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, and 5-year-old Vihaan Mane, with a fourth victim remaining unidentified, as confirmed by District Collector Jitendra Dudi. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed that a state-level probe has been launched to thoroughly investigate the incident. Furthermore, he ordered a structural audit of all similar bridges across Maharashtra, emphasizing a proactive approach to prevent future tragedies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah both acknowledged the tragedy, offering their condolences and commending the swift and coordinated action of the rescue teams. Investigation and Broader Safety Implications An official investigation, led by a five-member committee formed by District Collector Jitendra Dudi, is now underway to determine the exact cause of the bridge collapse and any potential administrative lapses or negligence (Times of India). In response to the tragedy, the Maharashtra government has initiated a statewide audit of all old and iron bridges, with a particular focus on those located in monsoon-prone tourist areas. Public safety advisories are also being issued to raise awareness among citizens. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical state of aging infrastructure in India. It draws unsettling comparisons to the 2022 Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat, which claimed over 130 lives. Both events underscore the urgent and imperative need for rigorous maintenance, regular structural checks, and strict enforcement of weight limits on old bridges across the country to prevent such preventable disasters from recurring. Share Your Thoughts: What do you think needs to be done to improve infrastructure safety in India? Share your comments below.