Multiple tourists are feared to have drowned after a bridge over the Indrayani River near Pune collapsed on Sunday afternoon. Police said 10 to 15 people may have been swept away. So far, emergency crews have rescued five to six individuals.
Authorities have deployed rescue boats and fire engines as part of the response. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also reached the site and launched a full-scale rescue operation.
Vitthal Banhote, Disaster Management Officer of Pimpri-Chinchwad, confirmed the incident. “The bridge collapsed while tourists were on it. The NDRF is at the spot,” he told The Indian Express. He added that the Pune Zilla Parishad had built the bridge.
The incident occurred near Kund Mala in Talegaon, around 30 km from Pune. The area attracts large tourist crowds due to its sinkholes, gorges, and natural rock formations. Its location near Pune and Mumbai makes it a popular weekend destination.
Officials noted that the Indrayani River had swelled due to heavy monsoon rains. The increased water level and stronger current likely contributed to the tragedy. Earlier this month, Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi had issued restrictions on approaching water bodies, warning of monsoon-related risks.
The collapsed bridge was a common crossing point and photo spot for tourists. Officials suspect it gave way under the weight of weekend visitors. Both NDRF units and Pimpri-Chinchwad police are carrying out rescue operations. Divers and emergency staff remain at the scene.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X that two people are feared dead. “We share the grief of their families. A search is underway. NDRF has been deployed. Six people have been rescued so far,” he said in Marathi.
He also confirmed that 32 people were injured, six of them critically. They are receiving treatment in hospital. The bridge collapse has triggered a major response, with more updates expected as rescue efforts continue.
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