Pune: At least four people lost their lives and over 30 were injured after an old iron bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed on Sunday afternoon in Maharashtra’s Pune district, officials confirmed. The incident occurred in the Kundmala area of Maval tehsil, where a large number of tourists had gathered due to the ongoing monsoon season.
The sudden collapse of the bridge swept several people into the river, prompting an immediate large-scale rescue effort. According to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, 32 people sustained injuries, six of whom are in serious condition and are receiving treatment at a hospital.
Here are the top updates:
- The tragedy took place around 3:30 pm, when crowds had assembled on the bridge, drawn by the weekend’s tourist rush. Authorities believe the structure gave way under the combined stress of age and excessive footfall.
- Rescue operations are being carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), alongside local police units. Officials fear the death toll may increase as the search for missing persons continues.
- Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Fadnavis posted on X: “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragedy that occurred when a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed in Indori, near Talegaon in Pune district. According to preliminary information, two people have died in this incident.” He further stated that he remains in constant contact with ground officials and emergency responders.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a tour of Cyprus, also expressed grief over the tragedy. He spoke to Chief Minister Fadnavis after learning about the incident and inquired about the ongoing relief and rescue operations.
- Maval MLA Sunil Shelke said the bridge was approximately 30 years old and heavily crowded at the time of the incident. “The iron bridge over the Indrayani River is 30 years old. Around 100 people were present on the bridge. Some fell off but managed to reach the shore,” he said.
- The first responders were personnel from the Talegaon Dabhade police station, followed by two NDRF teams now actively engaged in rescue work.
- Calling the event “very unfortunate,” NCP leader Supriya Sule expressed concern for those who may still be missing. “It is feared that some citizens on the bridge may have been swept away. I pray to God that all these citizens are safe. I have spoken to the District Collector, Pune regarding this incident and he is sending all necessary help,” she said.
- The collapsed bridge stood near an old dam on the Indrayani river, a location frequently visited by tourists during the monsoon. Officials say the bridge’s structural integrity had likely deteriorated due to age and increased water levels in recent days.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad (Zone 2, Pimpri-Chinchwad) provided further updates on the situation. “An old iron bridge near the lake and waterfall collapsed between 3:30 and 4:30 PM. As per initial information, two people have lost their lives, and 6–7 others have been injured and are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. The NDRF team has arrived and is carrying out rescue operations…” he told PTI. Authorities have urged people to stay away from the site as search and rescue operations continue.
