Pune, June 16, 2025: A tragic incident unfolded in the Maval tehsil of Pune district on Sunday afternoon when a 32-year-old iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed under the weight of more than 100 tourists. The incident has resulted in four deaths, 18 serious injuries, and widespread outrage over negligence and ignored warnings.
Despite rescue efforts being officially called off by national authorities, local police and volunteer groups continued search operations on Monday, scanning the river and surrounding area as a precautionary measure. According to police officials, all missing persons have now been accounted for.
A Warning Ignored
The ill-fated bridge, located near the scenic Kundamala area, had already been declared unsafe by the local administration due to structural concerns. Signboards warning the public about the bridge’s condition had been prominently displayed, yet crowds of tourists, eager to capture selfies and scenic views, ignored the alerts.
Witnesses reported that the bridge, designed for pedestrian use only, was overcrowded with both people and motorcycles when it gave way around 3:30 p.m. Multiple bikes plunged into the river along with their owners. Most of the bike owners were later traced and found to be undergoing treatment in local hospitals.
Negligence Under Scrutiny
Officials revealed that police personnel were deployed in the area at the time of the incident to manage crowd movement, but tourists reportedly disregarded verbal warnings and signage. “Unfortunately, many visitors don’t take these precautions seriously until it’s too late,” a senior police inspector said.
A total of 51 people were rescued, with 18 of them suffering serious injuries. Search teams from local rescue organizations such as Vanyajeev Rakshak Maval Sanstha and Shivdurg Trekkers assisted the police in scouring the river for any remaining victims.
Bridge Already Deemed Unfit
Pune’s District Collector had earlier labeled the bridge as unfit for vehicles and high footfall, with plans already in motion to construct a new structure. However, the sheer number of tourists visiting the area during the monsoon season appears to have overwhelmed both the bridge’s capacity and the warning systems in place.
According to the district administration, a ban on large gatherings in the area had been issued prior to the collapse. A committee has now been formed to investigate whether standard operating procedures were properly enforced and whether any officials may be held accountable for lapses.
State Government Responds
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged on Monday that the bridge had been declared dangerous, adding that warning boards were installed and that construction of a new bridge had already begun. He emphasized that the area had been marked as one of over 500 high-risk locations in the district ahead of the monsoon season.
“There’s a need for stronger coordination and stricter implementation of safety measures, especially in popular tourist zones,” the Chief Minister stated. He also instructed the district collector to ensure immediate action at other identified danger points across Pune.
As the monsoon rains continue, the tragedy has become a stark reminder of the importance of public caution and administrative preparedness in preventing avoidable disasters.
