On June 15, 2025, a narrow, decades-old iron footbridge over the Indrayani River near Kundamala in Pune’s Maval tehsil buckled under the weight of weekend tourists. Built in the mid‑1990s for light pedestrian use, the rusted structure reportedly shook for several minutes before giving way around 4 PM, sending more than 100 visitors—and even motorcycles—plunging into the swollen river.
Early reports confirm at least four fatalities, dozens injured, and several still missing. Rescue operations by NDRF, CRPF, fire services, police, and local volunteers continue amid strong currents timesofindia.indiatimes.com ndtv.com timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar cited rust, overcrowding, and possible neglect. CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh compensation per deceased family and full medical support for victims x.com ndtv.com timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Authorities have launched structural audits of riverine bridges; a formal inquiry will determine if earlier warnings were overlooked ndtv.com ndtv.com timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
This tragic collapse has ignited concerns about the safety of ageing tourist‑area infrastructure and the enforcement of crowd control during monsoons.
