Indrayani River Bridge Collapse: A Tragic Sunday in Pune
Indrayani River Bridge Collapse : On June 15, 2025, a catastrophic bridge collapse occurred over the Indrayani River near Kundmala village in Maval tehsil, Pune district. A large crowd of over 120 tourists had gathered on the old iron footbridge, a popular picnic and religious spot, when the structure suddenly gave way around 4:00 PM.
Victims and Casualties
As per official reports, the collapse led to the death of two individuals, while 32 others were injured, some seriously. A number of people were washed away in the river’s strong current, and 38 tourists were rescued alive by emergency teams. Search operations were still ongoing late into the evening, with several individuals still missing.
Overcrowding and Monsoon Contributed to Indrayani River Bridge Collapse
The tragedy unfolded during the early days of the monsoon season, when the river was already in spate. Eyewitnesses stated that the bridge was overcrowded, far beyond its safe limit. This old, iron footbridge had not been maintained properly for years, making it vulnerable to both structural fatigue and excessive load pressure.
Immediate Emergency Response
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police reached the site first, quickly followed by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Boats and divers were deployed to search the river, which was flowing rapidly due to recent rainfall. Local residents also assisted in rescue efforts, forming human chains and helping to pull survivors out of the water.
Political Reactions and Official Statements
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He confirmed that relief and rescue operations would continue until all victims were accounted for. He further directed that a thorough and high-level investigation be conducted into the incident.
Indrayani River Bridge Collapse Draws Emotional Public Response
In a heartbreaking moment, a young girl who had lost contact with her father broke down in front of MP Supriya Sule, who had arrived at the site to meet affected families. The emotional exchange highlighted the personal grief of the many families impacted by the disaster.
Infrastructure Under the Scanner
The collapse has once again highlighted the deteriorating state of Maharashtra’s aging infrastructure. Experts are now urging the government to conduct urgent safety audits of all old footbridges and tourist spots across the state, especially with the monsoon intensifying.
Call for Preventive Measures
Activists and engineers have called on local administrations to restrict public access to aging or weakened bridges, especially during the rainy season. Enhanced maintenance, real-time monitoring, and better crowd management protocols have also been recommended.
A Wake-Up Call After the Indrayani River Bridge Collapse
The Indrayani River bridge collapse is a stark reminder of the critical need for infrastructure safety and crowd control. It also underscores how a scenic, peaceful spot can become a scene of tragedy if proper precautions are not taken. As Pune mourns the lives lost, this disaster must spark long-term reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
