State officials reported that on June 15, 2025, an iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune district, Maharashtra, collapsed, resulting in four deaths and dozens of injuries. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. in the Kundamala area of Maval tehsil, a popular tourist destination that had attracted many visitors despite the area’s recent heavy rainfall.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the casualties, with reports indicating that 38 to 51 people sustained injuries in the collapse. Six people were hospitalized in critical condition after the incident. According to local news, a large number of tourists were on the bridge when it collapsed, sending many into the fast-moving river below.
The pedestrian bridge, constructed by the Pune Zilla Parishad in 1993 and now three decades old, was declared dangerous by district authorities before it collapsed. Fadnavis reported that the collector had assessed the bridge as unsafe and placed warning signs at the site. Despite this, about 125 tourists had gathered for monsoon sightseeing when the bridge gave way under the weight of the crowd.
Search and rescue operations commenced immediately following the collapse, with two teams from the National Disaster Response Force deployed to the scene. Teams from the local police, fire department, and various rescue organizations worked together during the recovery effort. Officials reported that 38 people were safely removed from the area, although some individuals were swept away by the river’s strong currents caused by the recent heavy rainfall.
Three of the four people who lost their lives have been identified as Chandrakant Sathale, Rohit Mane, and Vihan Mane, while the identity of the fourth victim remains unknown. Two victims succumbed to their injuries at the hospital following their rescue, and two others were found beneath the collapsed bridge. According to Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, who coordinated the rescue operation, there may still be another individual trapped under the debris.
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 discussed the emergency response measures with the chief minister.
Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, visited the site and noted that the iron bridge was rusted and in a deteriorated state. He pointed out that the collapse was probably caused by the excessive number of people on the bridge at the same time. Local MLA Sunil Shelke mentioned that the bridge, originally built thirty years ago to serve farmers, has faced increased pressure lately due to a rise in tourists and two-wheeler vehicles.
Authorities became aware of the bridge’s deteriorating condition some time ago and began taking action to resolve it. In 2023, officials determined that the bridge was unsafe and decided to close it off to the public. A proposal for a replacement bridge, with an estimated budget of 8 crore rupees, was announced. The Public Works Department was put in charge of managing bids and issuing work orders, with construction scheduled to begin after the end of the monsoon season.
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 faced some public backlash due to the comparatively low compensation amount when contrasted with other recent aviation accidents.
This incident highlights the ongoing safety issues within India’s infrastructure, especially the risks associated with aging bridges and structures. In 2022, a century-old cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat, claiming the lives of at least 132 people in one of the country’s most devastating disasters in recent times. Officials have also identified approximately 500 similarly dangerous locations in the Pune district alone that require urgent action.
Recent weather patterns intensified the situation, as prolonged heavy rains in the Pune district caused the Indrayani River to swell, producing stronger currents that swept away some of the victims. Local reports, however, note that there was no rainfall at the exact time the bridge gave way.
Rescue operations continued overnight and into the following day as officials used cranes to remove parts of the collapsed bridge. Despite challenging weather conditions, emergency teams remained focused on searching for any survivors who might still be trapped beneath the debris.
