Tragic Bridge Collapse in Pune Claims Four Lives Amid Heavy Rain

Pune, India – A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when an old bridge collapsed into the Indrayani River, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring 32 others. The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall, raising concerns over the structural integrity of the bridge, which had long been in a dilapidated state. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as the bridge gave way while numerous people had gathered to witness the swollen river, leading to a rapid rescue operation to save those swept away.

According to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the collapse happened around noon, as large crowds gathered on the bridge, which had been closed to vehicular traffic due to its poor condition. "The strong water current led to the collapse of the bridge," Fadnavis reported during a press briefing. "We are currently deploying emergency services and rescue teams to locate those who may still be trapped or missing."

Rescue operations have been initiated on a war footing, involving local police, district administration, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. As of the latest reports, five to six individuals have been rescued from the river, while the search for others continues. "We have dispatched 15 ambulances to the scene for immediate medical assistance," Fadnavis added.

The state government has also announced a compensation package of ₹500,000 (approximately $6,000) for the families of each victim who lost their lives in the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the situation, expressing his condolences and support for the ongoing rescue efforts from his location in Cyprus.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his sympathies to the victims' families and praised the rapid response of the NDRF teams. "Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. NDRF teams posted nearby quickly rushed to the site, joined the rescue operation, and saved several lives with remarkable promptness," Shah stated on social media.

The bridge, constructed approximately 30 years ago primarily for local farmers, reportedly could not withstand the excessive load from tourists and two-wheelers, leading to its catastrophic failure, as stated by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sunil Shelke. "We had made efforts to restrict access to the bridge due to its condition, but many still came to see the river, which ultimately culminated in this disaster," Shelke remarked.

The incident has sparked outrage among political leaders, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labeling it an "avoidable tragedy." Kharge emphasized the need for accountability, urging that those responsible for the bridge's maintenance be held accountable under the law. "Such preventable disasters demand meaningful questions be asked of those in power. It is imperative that all individuals found responsible for this tragedy are held to account under the full force of the law," he stated.

As rescue operations continue, the local community remains in shock over the loss of life and the urgent need for infrastructure assessments in the region. The collapse has not only raised alarms about the safety of aging infrastructure in India but also highlighted the importance of timely maintenance and regulatory oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In summary, the bridge collapse in Pune serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for infrastructure maintenance and the potential consequences of neglect. As the search for missing persons continues, the community mourns the lives lost and calls for accountability and reform to ensure such a disaster does not happen again.