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On June 15, 2025, at around 3:30 PM IST, tragedy struck near Pune when the decades‑old iron and concrete footbridge bridging Shelarwadi and Indori villages in Maval tehsil collapsed under the weight of over 100 people, including pedestrians and several motorcyclists. The bridge, spanning the Indrayani River at the scenic Kundmala tourist spot, split apart, sending at least four individuals to their deaths—among them a 5‑year‑old boy—and injuring 51 others, with eight critically hurt and one person reported missing.
Kundmala Bridge Collapse
The Bridge’s Fragile History
Built in 1992–93 and maintained by the Pune Zilla Parishad, the bridge was originally designed for foot traffic. Despite this, motorcyclists frequently used it as a shortcut. Over the years, locals raised alarms about its deteriorating condition, and the administration officially declared it unsafe in 2023—yet no barricades were installed to restrict access. Even though warning signs were in place, enforcement was lax, and the structure remained in everyday use.
On the weekend of the disaster, heavy rains had swollen the river, but the skies were clear at the time of collapse. Dozens of tourists and villagers had gathered to enjoy a monsoon outing. Eyewitnesses recount a horrifying moment as the bridge suddenly gave way under overcrowding, plunging people and bikes into the river below.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations commenced swiftly. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police, fire brigades, civil volunteers, and local support teams combed through the wreckage with cranes and cutting tools, working well into the night. By the time they were called off late Sunday, four bodies had been recovered and more than 50 injured had been rushed to local hospitals like Pavana, MIMER, and Atharva.
Political and Administrative Aftermath
The disaster sparked a wave of political outrage. Opposition leaders criticized the Mahayuti government, accusing it of negligence and bureaucratic delays—especially in greenlighting a new Rs 8 crore bridge. Funds had been approved in July 2024, but the contract was only issued in June 2025, mere days before the collapse.
Government officials defended the delay, citing layered technical reviews and design consultations with villagers. Nonetheless, critics argue that despite the prohibition notices, the absence of barricades and active enforcement allowed people to access the unstable structure freely.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 5 lakh compensation per deceased victim, and pledged to cover all medical costs for the injured. A five‑member committee, led by an additional collector-ranked officer, launched an investigation into the tragedy, with findings due within days.
Lessons for the Future
This catastrophic episode lays bare the urgent need for:
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Rigorous infrastructure inspections, especially for aging public structures at tourist hotspots.
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Stricter enforcement of closure notices, including physical barricades and patrols.
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Faster execution of replacement infrastructure post‑sanction, particularly in high‑risk zones; and
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Public awareness campaigns to respect warnings—demonstrated by NCP MP Supriya Sule’s appeal for stronger safety enforcement
Conclusion
The Kundmala bridge collapse was no sudden freak event—it was the tragic end result of broken infrastructure, ignored warnings, and administrative inertia. Four lives, including that of a child, were lost. Five families have been shattered. While rescue teams acted heroically under pressure, the greater rescue in future must involve better planning, proactive governance, and public cooperation to prevent such heartbreak.
May this calamity serve as a solemn marker—and a catalyst—for meaningful change in public safety and infrastructure governance.
