What was a popular picnic spot, turned into a nightmare for tourists when an aging iron footbridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala collapsed in Pune’s Maval taluka. Although eye witness accounts claim higher numbers, at least four casualties have been reported with over 30 injured, among which 6 critical. The bridge is a popular monsoon tourism spot near Talegaon Dabhade. A crowd of approximately 125 tourists were on the bridhe at the time of collapse ignoring warning that the 30 year old structure was ‘unfit for travel’.
Investigations point to disruptions to structural integrity due to heavy rainfall and excessive footfall and two wheeler passage as factors that exacerbated the collapse. Locals had long warned about the bridge’s down run state. It remained in use by villagers and farmers despite prohibition by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi to curb monsoon safety risks. The bridge was originally built for farmers was not designed to handle such heavy tourist activit. A Rs 7 to 8 crore replacement project was planned but delayed due to rains.
Though the NDRF, police, and local volunteers rescued 39 people, some still remain missing. It is feared that they were swept away by the river’s strong currents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coordinated with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, from cyprus. CM Fadnavis announced a ₹5 lakh compensation for victims’ families. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar drew attention to the bridge’s poor condition. Opposition leaders have expressed criticism towards the administrative negligence and questioned the lack of barricades or police presence at an area that was known to be sensitive.
