A tragic incident unfolded in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Sunday, as a bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala, Maval taluka, collapsed, sending an estimated 25–30 people, mostly tourists, plunging into the river.
According to initial reports, at least six people are confirmed to have drowned, while several others remain missing. Eight individuals have been rescued, and two women are reportedly trapped under the debris, as per NDTV.
Sudden Collapse Amid Heavy Footfall
The incident occurred amid heavy monsoon activity, with the Indrayani River in spate due to persistent rainfall over the last 48 hours. Kundmala, a popular weekend monsoon destination, witnessed higher-than-usual tourist footfall on Sunday. Preliminary reports suggest the bridge was overcrowded at the time of collapse.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden cracking sound before a central section of the bridge gave way, sending dozens into the swollen river. Visuals from the scene showed mangled sections of the bridge submerged in fast-flowing waters, as rescue teams scrambled to pull survivors to safety.
Emergency Response Activated
Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and the fire brigade deployed to the site. Divers and heavy rescue equipment have been mobilized to aid in the search for missing individuals.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and urged the public to stay away to allow emergency services to operate without hindrance.
A senior Pune district official said,
“The area had received continuous rainfall, which raised the water levels and increased the force of the current. The structural integrity of the bridge may have been compromised.”
Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The bridge, reportedly an old structure, is now under scrutiny for potential lapses in maintenance and crowd management. Local sources indicated that no immediate safety restrictions or warning signs were in place despite the bridge’s age and the rising water levels.
Civic authorities are expected to launch an inquiry into the structural safety measures and overcrowding protocols, especially at heritage or tourist sites that see spikes in foot traffic during the monsoon season.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in tourist-heavy zones of Maharashtra.
–Input IANS
