Bridge Collapses Over Indrayani River Near Pune – 4 Dead, 38 Rescued

 Pune Indrayani River Bridge Collapse: According to police, 10 to 15 people are feared to be swept away. So far, 38 individuals have been rescued.

Pune - Four people died and multiple tourists are feared to have drowned after a bridge over the Indrayani River near Pune in Maharashtra collapsed on Sunday afternoon. Two bodies have been recovered so far while two more are yet to be found, district authorities have confirmed. According to police, 10 to 15 people are feared to be swept away. Rescue boats and fire engines have been deployed as part of the emergency response. 

People stand near an iron bridge over the Indrayani river after it collapsed, in Pune district, Maharashtra, Sunday, June 15. (Photo : PTI)

Pimpri-Chinchwad District Disaster Management Officer Vitthal Banhote confirmed the incident to The Indian Express, stating that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had reached the site and launched rescue operations. They have rescued 38 people so far.

“The bridge collapsed while tourists were on it. The NDRF is at the spot,” Banhote said. He said the bridge was constructed by the Pune Zilla Parishad.

The incident occurred near Kund Mala in Talegaon, a popular tourist destination located about 30 km from Pune, known for its natural sinkholes, gorges, and unique rock formations. The area draws large crowds due to its proximity to both Pune and Mumbai.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a statement on X, had confirmed that two people have died in the incident as per initial information. The toll has risen to four since his tweet.

“According to preliminary information, 2 people have died in this incident… We share the grief of their families. As some people have been swept away, a search is being carried out. NDRF has been deployed at the spot. Six people have been rescued so far… 32 people were injured, six of them are critical. They have been admitted to the hospital for treatment,” Fadnavis tweeted in Marathi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Cyprus, has also spoken to Fadnavis and assured of all possible assistance in the rescue operations.

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, in a statement, said that action would be taken against those responsible for the collapse after an inquiry.

“We will be ensuring the best of medical care would be given to them (injured) and necessary help be extended,” he added.

Officials said the water level in the Indrayani River has risen sharply due to heavy monsoon rains, and the current has become significantly stronger. Earlier this month, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi had issued prohibitory orders restricting tourists from approaching water bodies and certain natural sites, citing safety concerns due to the intensified monsoon.

The collapsed bridge was frequently used by tourists to cross the river or stop for photographs. Authorities believe the structure may have given way under the weight of the weekend crowd. In response to the scale of the incident, both NDRF teams and Pimpri-Chinchwad police officials have been mobilised. Rescue operations are ongoing, with divers and emergency personnel on-site. - Source Indian Express