Deadly Pune Bridge Collapse Exposes Gaping Holes in Infrastructure SafetyFour killed and 51 injured as old footbridge collapses in Pune’s Talegaon area

An iron bridge connecting a footpath over the Indrayani River in Pune’s Talegaon collapsed on Sunday afternoon, resulting in four fatalities and 51 injuries. The accident occurred at about 3:15 PM at Kundamala, a favorite picnic destination, where more than 150 people were said to be on the bridge.

The bridge, which was said to be for pedestrian movement only, collapsed under the weight of a huge crowd, comprising several two-wheelers. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attributed the collapse to the fact that the structure was old and rusted and that the overcrowding was a factor.

Eyewitnesses Remember Moment of Horror

Eyewitnesses reported a nightmare scene as scores of individuals were tossed into the overflowing river. “There were over 150-200 individuals on the bridge, and at the part which collapsed, more than 50 were present. It is God’s grace that my family is safe,” stated Swapnil Kollam.

Another survivor, Nikhil Kollam, narrated, “It is Lord Ram’s grace that we are alive. Today is a second birth for me and my family.”

Rescue workers moved swiftly to the area and rescued several individuals from the river. Operations went on late into the night after at least three individuals, among them a child, were said to be missing.

Warnings Disregarded, No Structural Review in Years

Officials confirmed the four-foot bridge was constructed for pedestrian use and not designed to carry people or vehicles in large numbers. A warning board restricting two-wheelers had been posted, but locals explained that a few motorbikes were already on the bridge at the time of its collapse.

The structure is said to have potholes and makeshift cement block repairs. Locals repeatedly wrote to the gram panchayat and Public Works Department; no structural audit was done in the last few years. BJP MLA Ravindra Chavan had approved ₹80,000 for repairs last year, but the amount was never utilized.

Rescue Efforts on; Probe Initiated

District collector Jitendra Dudi said that the injured have been admitted to local hospitals. The dead were Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, Vihaan Mane, and an unknown male.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar claimed that a plan for a new bridge has already been approved. Maharashtra disaster management minister Girish Mahajan declared assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of the dead and directed an inquiry.

Congress Criticizes State for Negligence

The Congress party mourned the deaths and asked for accountability. The party leader Mallikarjun Kharge labeled the collapse a ‘deeply distressing and avoidable tragedy.’ Rahul Gandhi termed the accident ‘extremely saddening’ and emphasized strict action.