On June 15, 2025, an iron bridge spanning the Indrayani River in Pune district, Maharashtra, collapsed, leaving four people dead and injuring dozens more, state officials said. The tragedy took place at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the Kundamala area of Maval tehsil, a well-known tourist hotspot that had drawn many visitors even with the recent heavy rains in the area.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the casualties, with reports indicating that 38 to 51 people sustained injuries in the collapse. Six individuals were hospitalized in critical condition following the incident. Local media reported that numerous tourists were on the bridge when it gave way, plunging many into the swollen river below.
The pedestrian bridge, built in 1993 by the Pune Zilla Parishad and now 33 years old, had been labeled hazardous by district officials before it collapsed. According to Fadnavis, the collector had found the bridge unsafe and posted warning signs at the location. Nevertheless, around 125 tourists were present for monsoon sightseeing when the structure gave way under the crowd’s weight.
Search and rescue operations commenced immediately following the collapse, with two teams from the National Disaster Response Force deployed to the scene. Personnel from the local police, fire department, and several rescue agencies joined forces in the recovery operation. Authorities confirmed that 38 people were safely evacuated from the scene, but some were carried away by the river’s powerful currents brought on by recent heavy rains.
Of the four fatalities, three have been identified as Chandrakant Sathale, Rohit Mane, and Vihan Mane, with one victim still unidentified. Two individuals died from their injuries while receiving medical treatment after being rescued, and two more bodies were discovered beneath the collapsed bridge. Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, who oversaw the rescue efforts at the scene, stated that another person may still be trapped under the rubble.
The bridge collapse prompted immediate government response from the highest levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Cyprus, contacted Fadnavis to discuss the incident and offered any necessary resources to the Maharashtra state government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the chief minister regarding the emergency response efforts.
Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, inspected the site and found that the iron bridge was corroded and in poor condition. He observed that the collapse likely happened because too many people were on the bridge at once. Local MLA Sunil Shelke added that the bridge, which was built three decades ago for farmers, has recently been strained by a surge in tourists and two-wheeler traffic.
Officials had identified the bridge’s worsening condition earlier and took steps to address the issue. In 2023, the administration found the structure to be in a state of disrepair and closed it to the public. Plans for a new bridge costing 8 crore rupees were introduced, with the Public Works Department managing tenders and issuing work orders. Construction was set to start once the monsoon season had passed.
The state government announced financial assistance for victims and their families. Fadnavis confirmed compensation of 5 lakh rupees (approximately $5,800) would be provided to families of the deceased, while the government would cover all medical expenses for injured victims. The announcement drew some public criticism regarding the relatively modest compensation amount compared to other recent aviation disasters.
This event underscores the persistent safety challenges facing India’s infrastructure, particularly due to the dangers posed by outdated bridges and structures. In 2022, a cable suspension bridge that was over a hundred years old collapsed in Gujarat, resulting in the deaths of at least 132 people—one of the country’s worst tragedies in recent years. Authorities have also reported that around 500 similarly hazardous sites have been identified in Pune district alone, all needing urgent attention.
The incident was made worse by recent weather, as the Pune district had experienced days of heavy rain leading up to the collapse. This rainfall caused the Indrayani River to rise, resulting in stronger currents that carried some victims away. According to local reports, though, it was not raining at the moment the bridge actually failed.
Rescue efforts carried on throughout the night and into the next day, with authorities employing cranes to lift away sections of the collapsed bridge. Despite difficult weather, emergency crews pressed on with their search, concentrating on finding any remaining victims who could be trapped under the rubble.
