Pune Bridge Collapse: 4 Dead, 18 Injured In Mishap; Crowd Ignored Warning, Say Officials | Details

In a tragic bridge collapse over the Indrayani River in Pune, at least four people died and eighteen others sustained serious injuries on Sunday, June 15. The 32-year-old iron pedestrian bridge, which had been declared unsafe, collapsed in Pune's Maval tehsil owing to crowding by tourists who ignored the warning board at the spot.

The deceased have been identified as Chandrakant Sathale, Rohit Mane and Vihan Mane. One of the deceased is still unidentified, an official told PTI.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed deaths of two people in a statement posted on X.

“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.

What Caused The Bridge Collapse?

After a preliminary investigation, officials confirmed the presence of over 100 people on the bridge in Kundamala, a popular spot for tourists and picnickers, which has seen heavy rains in the past few days, giving the river a steady flow.

Speaking to ANI, one of the injured in the incident said, "There was a huge crowd on the bridge. The road was jammed due to vehicles coming from both sides... The crowd gathered at one place, and the bridge collapsed... People standing in the middle of the bridge were swept away... We fell on the stones and got injured."

NDRF, CRPF, Local Police Deployed In Rescue Ops

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 police, besides the NDRF teams, personnel from the fire brigade, police, and local rescue organisations were involved as well in efforts to remove the collapsed portions of the structure and locate a trapped person.

Upon receiving news of the tragic incident, a CRPF team from Group Centre Talegaon, Pune, rushed to the spot to assist the NDRF & local authorities in rescue, relief & crowd control efforts.

Sharing further details of the rescue operation status, Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vishal Gaikwad, said five to seven individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

"While two bodies were recovered from beneath the structure, two persons succumbed to injuries during treatment after being rescued. One person is suspected to be trapped still," said Talegaon Dabhade police station senior inspector Pradeep Rayannawar.

"So far, 51 persons have been rescued. Of these, 18 sustained serious injuries and are admitted to three different three hospitals. Two people died during treatment," a statement from the district administration informed.

Bridge Was Declared Unsafe

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.

Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi said, "A committee will be formed to probe lapses, if any, on the part of the local administration, and secondly to check if standard operating procedures should have been implemented. The incident occurred despite warning signs and an existing order banning large gatherings in the area," he said.