Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as four dead and several injured after a tragic collapse of an iron bridge spanning the Indrayani River in Pune district on Sunday.
The incident, reported near the Kundamala area in Maval tehsil, occurred between 3:30 and 4:30 PM, claiming at least four lives and injuring several others.
Prime Minister Modi, currently on a visit to Cyprus, held a telephonic conversation with CM Fadnavis to review the ongoing rescue and relief efforts following the collapse of a bridge over the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune, on Sunday afternoon, according to reports.
Shah expressed grief over the incident in a post on X, stating, “Heartbroken by the tragic collapse of the bridge over the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. I spoke with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assess the situation. NDRF teams acted swiftly, joining rescue operations and saving numerous lives. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Fadnavis, in a Marathi post on X, confirmed that rescue operations are being conducted with urgency. “With some individuals swept away, search efforts are underway on a war footing. NDRF teams are at the site, and relief work has been expedited,” he wrote.
He announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the kin of each deceased victim and assured that the state would cover treatment costs for the injured.
Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar attributed the collapse to the bridge’s dilapidated condition, exacerbated by the weight of numerous people and two-wheelers on it at the time. “A new ₹8 crore bridge has been sanctioned for the site, and I’ve sought details from the collector,” Pawar said.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde vowed a thorough probe into the incident, stating, “We have ordered structural audits of all bridges over rivers across Maharashtra. This tragedy will be investigated, and those responsible will face strict action.”
According to reports from the Talegaon Dabhade police station, 30 to 35 persons are believed to have been swept away by the river’s currents, while three others were rescued.
However, estimates from the Pimpri Chinchwad Police suggest that 10 to 15 individuals may still be trapped under the debris. A member of the rescue team, speaking to PTI, speculated that as many as 20 to 25 people could be caught in the wreckage, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to the site, working tirelessly to locate and save survivors.
“Two tourists have tragically lost their lives, and four to five others have been rescued,” said NCP MLA Sunil Shelke, who visited the scene. He added that efforts are underway to free those still trapped.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad (Zone 2, Pimpri Chinchwad) confirmed the casualties and reported that six to seven injured individuals are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
“The old iron bridge near the lake and waterfall gave way this afternoon. NDRF teams are actively conducting rescue operations,” Gaikwad said.