Pune Bridge Collapse: 2 Dead, Several Feared Drowned as Indrayani River Swells; NDRF Leads Rescue Efforts
Pune, Maharashtra — At least two people lost their lives and several others are feared to have drowned after a bridge spanning the Indrayani River in the Kundmala area of Pune's Maval Taluka collapsed on Sunday evening. The incident occurred as dozens of tourists were walking on the structure amid heavy monsoon downpours.
According to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, 32 people were injured in the accident, with six in critical condition. Search and rescue operations led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are currently underway, as authorities scramble to trace those who may have been swept away by the river’s strong current.
A Popular Spot Turns Tragic
Kundmala, a monsoon hotspot near Lonavala, attracts a high number of weekend tourists from Pune and Mumbai. Witnesses said the bridge gave way suddenly around 5:45 p.m. as water levels surged due to relentless rains in the Western Ghats.
“The bridge was crowded with tourists when we heard a loud cracking sound, and then the entire structure crumbled into the river,” said local resident Pravin Waghmare, who assisted in the initial rescue effort.
Eyewitnesses reported that many tourists, including children and senior citizens, were on the bridge when it collapsed. The force of the river, swollen by recent downpours, made rescue efforts extremely challenging.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority has confirmed that NDRF teams, local police, and fire department personnel were immediately dispatched to the site. Six people were rescued in the first few hours, while drone surveillance and divers continue searching the riverbed.
“As some people are still missing, search operations are being conducted on a war footing. NDRF has been deployed, and relief work has been immediately accelerated,” Mr. Fadnavis said in a statement issued late Sunday night.
Rescue teams are using life jackets, boats, and underwater sonar equipment to detect submerged bodies, while hospitals in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad remain on high alert.
Safety Concerns Raised
Early reports suggest that local residents had previously raised concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge, which had undergone renovation four to five years ago. However, no official warnings were issued prior to the collapse.
“This was an accident waiting to happen,” said activist Ramesh Patil, who had reportedly filed a grievance with the Maval Panchayat in 2023. “Despite repeated requests, no technical audit was done.”
The Pune rural administration has launched an internal inquiry to assess the condition of the bridge prior to the accident. Officials said the district collector has ordered a forensic analysis of the collapsed structure to determine if substandard construction or overload contributed to the failure.
Weather Worsens Search Efforts
The incident comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the ghat regions for the next 48 hours.
Rising water levels in the Indrayani River have complicated search and rescue operations, with slippery terrain, poor visibility, and continuous rainfall hampering efforts on Sunday night and into Monday morning.
Government Response and Compensation
Chief Minister Fadnavis has assured swift compensation for victims and their families, although no official figures have been announced yet. Local legislators have also called for immediate audit of all bridges and walkways in tourist-heavy areas before peak monsoon travel begins.
The state government has pledged to provide updated advisories for tourists visiting hilly areas and riverfront locations.
What We Know So Far
- Date and Time of Collapse: Sunday, June 15, around 5:45 p.m.
- Location: Kundmala, Maval Taluka, Pune rural
- Fatalities: 2 confirmed dead
- Injured: 32, with 6 critically injured
- Missing: Undisclosed number feared drowned
- Rescue Efforts: Led by NDRF and local authorities
- Bridge History: Renovated 4–5 years ago; structural concerns had been raised
- Weather Condition: Heavy monsoon rains with orange alert issued
As recovery operations continue and grieving families wait for updates, questions mount over infrastructure maintenance and safety warnings. With monsoon intensifying across Maharashtra, the tragic collapse in Kundmala is a stark reminder of the perils of poorly maintained public structures in flood-prone areas.