Negligence blamed in Pune bridge collapse

Pune

Authorities continued search efforts on Monday at the site of a deadly bridge collapse over the Indrayani River in Maval tehsil, Pune district, even as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officially ended its operation. The iron pedestrian bridge, over three decades old, collapsed on Sunday afternoon (June 15), leaving four dead and 18 seriously injured, while over 50 people were rescued.

Officials confirmed that the bridge was already declared dangerous by the District Collector, and warning boards had been placed at the site. Despite this, over 100 tourists crowded the bridge, with many reportedly taking selfies, which led to the structure collapsing around 3:30 PM.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the bridge had been deemed unsafe before the incident, and work on a new structure had already begun. He added that 500 high-risk sites across Pune district had been identified for special safety monitoring during the monsoon.

According to Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi, the bridge was never meant for vehicular traffic, but people ignored warnings and overcrowded it, violating local restrictions on gatherings. Maharashtra’s Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan echoed this, stating the structure failed under excessive tourist weight.

Police officials reported five motorcycles also plunged into the river and that their owners were among those injured. Local volunteer groups including Shivdurg Trekkers and Vanyajeev Rakshak Maval Sanstha assisted in the final stages of the search. A committee has been formed to investigate administrative lapses and recommend safety protocols for vulnerable tourist spots.