News Desk – A tragic incident took place on Sunday at Kundamala, a tourist spot in Maval taluka of Pune district, where an old iron bridge collapsed, killing four people, including a child, and injuring 38 others.
The bridge collapsed around 4 PM as over 100 tourists were standing on it, taking photos and videos of the Indrayani river, which was swollen due to heavy rain. Some two-wheelers were also on the bridge, and eyewitnesses said there was a lot of pushing and crowding.
As the middle section gave way, many people fell into the river. Local residents rushed to help and saved many, while rescue teams and NDRF arrived within 15 minutes to begin search operations. The search will continue through the night for those still missing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar expressed their condolences.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said the bridge was rusted and promised action against those responsible.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to CM Fadnavis about the incident.
The bridge was built in 1995 and had become weak and rusty. Locals said warning boards were placed by the Dehu Road Cantonment Board and police, but tourists often ignored the signs.
Balasaheb Shelar, a local BJP leader, said tourists continue to visit during monsoon despite the danger. Police used to warn people only on weekends, and there was no permanent police presence.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi confirmed six people had serious injuries but were stable. He also said a five-member committee will look into whether a structural audit was done and if the bridge was officially declared unsafe.
Joint Commissioner of Police said it was not possible to post police 24/7, but warning signs were installed.
Maval MP Shrirang Barne blamed the local administration for not managing the tourist rush during monsoon.
Collector Dudi denied negligence and said prohibitory orders were already in place, covering all water-related tourist spots, including Kundamala.
Being a Sunday, many people from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad came to see the river rapids and waterfalls. Locals said the bridge was overcrowded with around 150–200 people, and two-wheelers tried to move through the crowd, creating chaos.
Eyewitness Advocate Nilesh Kolam, who suffered minor injuries, said the bridge collapsed suddenly, and people were swept away by the strong river current.
Raghuvir Shelar, a local corporator, said protective grills were installed just 10 days ago, and notices banning two-wheelers were pasted, but people ignored the warnings.
