A bridge collapse in Kundmala killed 2 and left 2 missing. Despite prior warnings, tourists overcrowded the site. The Collector defended rescue response and blamed negligence of posted warnings and police.
Maval (Pune) | June 16 2025: A tragic accident unfolded on Sunday when a pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed in Kundmala, Maval, killing two people and leaving at least two more missing. The incident, which occurred around 3:15 PM, has sparked outrage, with citizens questioning the district administration’s preparedness and response.
The old bridge near the Kundrai Devi temple, a popular monsoon tourist spot, gave way as a large crowd of visitors gathered, exceeding its load-bearing capacity. Despite prior warnings and prohibitory orders issued before the rainy season, tourists reportedly ignored all safety advisories.
Collector’s Clarification: “Prohibitory Order Was in Place”
In the face of public criticism, Pune District Collector Dr. Jitendra Duddi visited the accident site and provided an official statement.
- The accident was reported to the control room at 3:30 PM, 15 minutes after it occurred.
- A rescue team was dispatched immediately and reached the site within 20 minutes.
- So far, 38 people have been safely rescued, while two bodies have been recovered.
- Two others are still missing, and search operations will continue on Monday.
Duddi emphasized that a prohibitory order had been issued at this spot before the monsoon, and entry was restricted for safety reasons. He claimed:
- A warning board was installed clearly indicating the danger.
- Two police officers were stationed at the site.
- Tourists ignored both the warning and the officials, leading to overcrowding and the bridge collapse.
More than 250 rescue personnel are working in coordination, including disaster response teams and local authorities. “We will not stop the rescue operation until we are confident that no one is left behind,” Duddi assured.
Kundmala, with its scenic river views and ancient temple, draws hundreds of tourists every monsoon. But Sunday’s disaster has cast a shadow over its allure, raising serious questions about tourism management, infrastructure, and public responsibility.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573903448264
Twitter – https://x.com/NewsDotz