A tragic incident unfolded in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Sunday evening when an old iron bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed near Kundamala village, close to Talegaon. The bridge gave way around 4 p.m., resulting in the death of two persons and injuries to at least 32 others, six of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police conducting intensive search and relief efforts. According to Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad, five to seven individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Visuals from the site showed rescue personnel wading through the river and combing the debris, as fears persisted that nearly 10 to 15 people could still be trapped beneath the wreckage. As of late evening, six people had been rescued.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the deaths in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragedy that occurred when a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed in Indori, near Talegaon in Pune district. According to preliminary information, two people have died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. We share the grief of their families,” he said.
The Chief Minister further informed that search operations were ongoing “on a war footing,” with the district administration, including the divisional commissioner, collector, superintendent of police, and tehsildar, closely monitoring the situation. The divisional commissioner has been dispatched to the site.
“The relief work has been immediately accelerated. All the agencies have been ordered to be on alert mode,” Mr. Fadnavis said, adding that 32 individuals had sustained injuries, six of whom are critical and undergoing treatment at local hospitals.
Authorities have confirmed that the structure was a dilapidated iron bridge, raising questions about its maintenance and safety audits. A detailed inquiry is expected once rescue operations are completed.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of infrastructure conditions across the state, especially in light of the monsoon season and increased public movement in rural regions.
