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At least 4 have been killed after a bridge over the swollen Indrayani river collapsed in Pune’s Kundmala. Rescue teams including NDRF, fire brigade, and police launched a massive search operation.
At least 4 people have reportedly been killed in Maharashtra’s Pune district after a bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed on Sunday afternoon.
The collapsed also caused around 30 tourists to fall into the river.
At least 6 people have been rescued while ops are on to evacuate others from the area.
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The accident occurred in Kundmala, a popular monsoon tourist spot in Maval taluka, which attracts hundreds of visitors every year due to its scenic waterfalls and riverbanks.
Eyewitnesses said the bridge gave way suddenly, sending dozens into the fast-flowing river swollen by heavy rainfall over the past two days. Panic followed as bystanders raised alarms and tried to help those who fell.
Maharashtra CM on Indrayani River bridge collapse
On the bridge collapse tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "There has been an incident of bridge collapse in Maval. I have spoken to the Divisional Commissioner, Tehsildar and Police Commissioner. Some people have been injured and taken to the hospital. Some people are also trapped."
He added that the NDRF team was reaching there. It is possible that some people have been swept away. We have not yet received any confirmation of casualties in this regard. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to talk about this now. I will give information about this only after getting complete information. Right now, the administration is trying its best to provide relief to the people.
Massive rescue operation launched
Rescue teams from the local police, fire brigade, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were rushed to the site immediately. Boats, divers, and drones have been deployed as part of the search and rescue effort. So far, a few people have reportedly been rescued, but the exact number of those still missing is not yet confirmed.
Officials said the Indrayani river's water level had risen sharply due to continuous rainfall in the region, making rescue efforts more challenging and hazardous. Local authorities have requested visitors to stay away from riverbanks and warned of more rain in the coming days.
Bridge condition under scrutiny
Initial reports suggest the collapsed bridge may have been a temporary or weakened structure unable to withstand the increased pressure from rising water levels and foot traffic. A structural audit is expected to be conducted once the immediate rescue operation concludes.
The district administration has assured that an inquiry will be launched to assess whether any lapses in maintenance or safety contributed to the tragedy.
Further updates are awaited as rescue operations continue late into the evening.
Heavy rain alert for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad
The incident comes amid an orange alert by the MeT department for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, with heavy to very heavy rains expected in the ghat regions. The area had received heavy rains in the last two days.
NCP MP Supriya Sule in a social media post on X said, "A bridge over the Indrayani River at Kundmala in Maval Taluka of Pune district has collapsed. There is a fear that some citizens on the bridge may have been swept away. This is a very unfortunate incident, and I sincerely pray to the Almighty for the safety of all those affected."
"I have spoken to the District Collector of Pune regarding the incident, and they are sending all necessary assistance. I earnestly appeal to all citizens to exercise caution while venturing out for monsoon tourism. Please strictly follow all safety guidelines," Sule posted on X.
