A devastating incident unfolded Sunday afternoon in Maharashtra’s Pune district when an iron bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least two individuals and leaving several others injured. The collapse occurred in the Kundmala area near Talegaon at approximately 3:30 PM local time, as dozens of people were reportedly crossing the bridge.
Emergency responders, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were swiftly deployed to the scene. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and assured the public that relief operations were underway at full speed. In a statement posted on X, he acknowledged the tragedy and emphasized the government’s immediate response to the situation.
According to eyewitnesses, a large crowd had gathered on the bridge when it suddenly gave way, plunging many into the river below. Local resident Raghuveer Shelar recounted to Reuters that around 20 to 25 individuals were swept away in the current, with some tourists being rescued, while others remain missing or trapped beneath the wreckage.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voiced concerns that more victims may have been carried away by the river’s flow. As rescue efforts continue, families and officials alike await news of those still unaccounted for.
The incident has raised urgent questions about infrastructure safety in the region, with calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse and the condition of similar structures across the state.
