On Sunday, June 15, 2025, tragedy struck Pune when an old iron bridge over the Indrayani River near Kundmala village in Mawal taluka collapsed at around 3:30 PM IST. The structure, packed with weekend tourists and locals, gave way under heavy footfall, plunging dozens into the swirling river below. At least two people, including a young woman from Mumbai, are confirmed dead, with five others injured and several still missing. Pune is reeling from the loss, and India mourns with it.
Chaos at Kundmala
The bridge, a popular spot for picnickers and devotees visiting nearby temples, was crowded due to the Sunday holiday. Eyewitnesses described a sudden “crack” before the central section buckled, sending people tumbling into the rain-swollen Indrayani. “It happened so fast,” said Anil Pawar, a local farmer who rushed to help. Videos from the scene show debris floating in muddy waters, with screams piercing the air. Heavy monsoon rains, which have battered Pune for days, likely weakened the aging structure.
Rescue Against Time
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire brigade launched a frantic rescue operation, pulling three people from the river within hours. Divers are still searching for at least six others feared swept away. “The current is strong, and visibility is poor,” said a police official at the site. Five injured survivors, including a child with a broken leg, were rushed to Talegaon General Hospital. Pune’s community has rallied, with locals offering boats and food to rescuers.
A Community in Grief
Kundmala, a quiet village known for its scenic beauty, is now a place of sorrow. Families of the missing wait anxiously at the riverbank, clinging to hope. “My sister was just taking photos,” sobbed Priya More, whose sibling is among the missing. Social media reflects Pune’s pain, with posts praying for survivors. The tragedy has hit India’s heart, with leaders like Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing condolences: “My thoughts are with the affected families.”
Why Did It Happen?
Built in the 1980s, the bridge was meant for light pedestrian use but had become a tourist hotspot. Locals say it was never upgraded despite growing crowds. “We warned authorities about cracks last year,” said a Kundmala resident. Recent monsoon flooding, with Pune recording 150 mm of rain this week, likely eroded its supports. The Public Works Department (PWD) has ordered a probe, but questions about neglected maintenance are mounting.
Maharashtra Responds
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, facing public anger, announced ₹5 lakh compensation for victims’ families and free treatment for the injured. “We’ll investigate and hold those responsible accountable,” he said, visiting the site late Sunday. The state has suspended similar old bridges in Mawal for safety checks. However, locals demand long-term fixes. “How many more lives must we lose?” asked a shopkeeper near the site.
A Wake-Up Call
The Kundmala collapse is Pune’s second bridge incident in a year, following a minor footbridge scare in 2024. With India’s urban and rural infrastructure aging, the tragedy underscores the need for urgent upgrades. “Monsoons expose our weak spots,” said Dr. Anil Gupta, a civil engineer at IIT Bombay. As Pune grieves, the nation calls for safer bridges to prevent such heartbreak again.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 10:42 pm by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Sunday, June 15, 2025 10:42 pm | News Categories: News
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