Rusting bridge collapses in Pune, killing four and leaving 18 seriously injured
A footbridge collapsed in the Maval area of Kundamala, Pune District, Maharashtra, at around 15:30 local time on June 14, 2025. The incident occurred during heavy rainfall and overcrowding, resulting in four fatalities and serious injuries to 18 others.
Rescue operations after Indrayani River bridge collapse in Pune on June 16, 2025. Credit: District Information Office, Pune
An old footbridge in Pune’s Maval area of Kundamala collapsed on Sunday, June 15, after heavy rain and overcrowding, killing four people and leaving 18 seriously injured. The structure was already rusting, and recent downpours combined with a swollen river had made it even more unstable, compromising its condition.
Rescue operations concluded on the morning of June 16 after going on for around 15 hours. The spot draws many visitors, and recent days of continuous rainfall had battered the structure even more, which gave way around 15:30 local time when a crowd of more than 100 people had gathered over it.
Pune District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi announced restrictions earlier this month, banning tourist access to rivers and several natural areas due to heightened safety risks from the ongoing monsoon.
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra | Visuals from the spot of the bridge collapse that took place on the Indrayani River near Talegaon, that left four people dead and 51 injured. pic.twitter.com/aMXi7hMAaH
— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2025
The overcrowding on the bridge happened despite a warning sign posted at the site. Local officials clarified that the tourist footfall in Kundamala has surged in recent months, with an estimated 8 000 visitors crossing the dilapidated bridge every weekend, far beyond what the aging structure could safely support.
Eyewitnesses reported that the iron bridge wobbled for several minutes before crashing down under the load of a large crowd and multiple two-wheelers. A person who was on the bridge at the time recalled a sudden outbreak of panic as the structure gave way and people began screaming. Nearby residents quickly stepped in to assist, initiating rescue efforts before official teams arrived on the scene.
References:
1 No Structural Audit, Huge Crowd: What Led To Pune Bridge Collapse – NDTV – June 16, 2025
2 Pune bridge collapse: Congress demands accountability, calls for questions to be asked of those in power – The Hindu – June 16, 2025
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