Deadly Bridge collapse in India kills two, injures 32

A deadly bridge collapse at a popular Indian tourist destination has claimed two lives and injured 32 others.

The iron bridge collapsed Sunday, June 15, 2025, over a rain-fed river in Maharashtra’s Kundamala area, located in Pune district.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the deaths and injuries in a statement on social platform X, formerly Twitter.

“At least six critically injured persons have been rescued and hospitalized,” Fadnavis said.

The accident happened in an area often packed with weekend tourists and local picnickers.

It wasn’t raining during the collapse, but recent heavy downpours caused the river’s flow to surge.

The river runs through dense tourist terrain that attracts crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.

The bridge, reportedly old and iron-made, gave way suddenly, flinging several people into the river.

Local authorities said the exact number of missing people is still unknown.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams rushed to the site for emergency rescue operations.

Police and local firefighters joined the efforts, working through the night under floodlights.

“Rescue operations have been accelerated,” Fadnavis said in his update.

He added that relief and emergency services were activated immediately after the incident.

Local eyewitnesses reported a loud crashing sound before the bridge gave way.

Some victims were swept away by the current before rescue teams arrived.

Others clung to debris until NDRF officers pulled them out.

Officials are probing the structural integrity of the bridge and any possible safety lapses.

The government promised a full investigation and support for affected families.

Authorities have urged tourists to stay away from the site while rescue work continues.

This is not the first time infrastructure failures have marred India’s rainy season.

Bridge collapses, often linked to poor maintenance, remain a recurring tragedy across the country.

Tourism officials say Kundamala’s visitor traffic may now reduce following the accident.

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