🚨 Indrayani River Bridge Collapse: Tragedy at Kundamala as Rescue Operations Conclude
A tragic incident unfolded at Kundamala near Talegaon Dabhade in Pune district as an iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed on Sunday, leading to the death of four individuals and injuries to over 50 others. The bridge, which was over 30 years old and meant solely for pedestrian use, gave way under the weight of more than 150 tourists who had gathered to enjoy the monsoon-fed scenery.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swiftly responded, arriving within 20 minutes of the alert. After an exhaustive search and rescue mission, the NDRF officially called off operations, confirming that all missing persons have been accounted for.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi confirmed that 18 of the injured required hospitalization, and the state government has pledged an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased, along with full medical support for the injured.
🚧 Authorities revealed that the bridge had long exceeded its intended lifespan and was weakened further by unauthorized two-wheeler traffic. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan noted that tenders for a new bridge had already been approved, but monsoon delays had stalled construction.
The area, known for its natural beauty — gorges, waterfalls, and whirlpools — saw a surge in visitors due to recent rainfall, despite prohibitory orders from the district administration urging people to stay away from risky water bodies during monsoon season.
This incident is a painful reminder of the need for urgent infrastructure upgrades and better enforcement of safety norms in tourist zones.
🙏 Our thoughts go out to the families affected by this heartbreaking accident.
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