Pune Bridge Collapse: Ajit Pawar Promises Strict Action Against Those Responsible

💥 Pune Bridge Collapse: 4 Dead, 51 Injured — Calls for Accountability Intensify as Investigation Deepens

“This Was Preventable” — Authorities Under Fire After Tragedy Strikes Tourist-Favorite Spot

Pune, Maharashtra — What was supposed to be a peaceful Father’s Day outing turned into an unspeakable tragedy as the Kundmala footbridge in the Talegaon Dabhade area collapsed on June 15, plunging dozens into the fast-moving waters of the Indrayani River.

As the dust begins to settle, four people have been confirmed dead, including a father and his 6-year-old son, and at least 51 others injured, with many still undergoing treatment in local hospitals. The incident has triggered an avalanche of grief, anger, and growing calls for justice and accountability.

📍 A Tragic Timeline

At approximately 3:30 PM on June 15, the narrow bridge—used frequently by locals and tourists alike—gave way as more than 100 people and several two-wheelers crowded onto its weakened structure. The bridge, already rusted and previously marked for replacement, collapsed under the weight, sending dozens plummeting into the river below.

Eyewitnesses describe a terrifying scene of screaming, rushing water, and people clinging to debris, while others were swept away by the powerful monsoon-fed currents.

“One moment we were taking photos, the next we were in the water,” said a survivor, speaking through tears. “People were shouting. Children were crying. It was chaos.”

☠️ Confirmed Fatalities

Authorities have identified four fatalities:

Chandrakant Sathale

Rohit Mane (32) and his 6-year-old son, Vihan Mane, who were on a Father’s Day picnic

A fourth victim, yet to be publicly named, believed to be a local teenager

Dozens more were pulled from the water by emergency personnel, many with serious fractures, hypothermia, and other trauma-related injuries.

🧯 The Rescue Operation

Emergency services launched a swift and coordinated response. Units from the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), fire brigade, police, and local volunteers arrived within minutes.

Search and rescue operations continued through the night, aided by heavy machinery, divers, and drones. By the following day, all missing individuals had been accounted for, either rescued or confirmed deceased.

“We did everything we could, but the conditions were difficult,” said an NDRF commander. “The river was fast and visibility was low.”

💔 Victims’ Families Devastated

For the families of the victims, grief has been compounded by frustration and anger. Many claim that local officials ignored repeated warnings about the safety of the bridge.

“They knew it was dangerous. There were cracks. There were signs. But they did nothing,” said the mother of one victim. “My child died because someone didn’t care enough.”

⚠️ A Bridge Marked for Repair… But Delayed

Investigations have revealed that the Maharashtra government approved ₹8 crore for a new bridge as early as July 2024, but construction was only green-lit in June 2025, just days before the collapse.

Critics argue that the 11-month delay in construction—and continued public access to the aging footbridge—directly contributed to the disaster.

“This wasn’t an accident. This was negligence,” said a local opposition leader.

🏛️ Ajit Pawar Speaks: “Strict Action Will Be Taken”

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has vowed “strict and immediate action” against those responsible.

“This is unacceptable. There will be consequences. The people of Maharashtra deserve better,” he told reporters.

A high-level probe has been launched. Engineers, civic officials, and local authorities are now being questioned regarding their roles in the bridge’s maintenance, inspection, and delayed reconstruction.

📉 Impact on Infrastructure Policy

The collapse has reignited a national conversation about the state of India’s aging infrastructure, particularly in tourist-heavy rural areas.

Urban planners and civil engineers warn that hundreds of similar structures across the country are operating past safe limits, with outdated inspection records and minimal maintenance budgets.

“Kundmala is not an isolated case,” said infrastructure analyst R. Ramaswamy. “It’s a symptom of a larger problem — complacency, bureaucracy, and underfunding.”

🧾 Government Response

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the state government has pledged:

₹5 lakh (approx. $6,000) in compensation for each deceased victim’s family

Free medical treatment for all injured survivors

A complete technical audit of all pedestrian bridges in Pune district within 60 days

📷 Emotional Scenes Go Viral

Images and videos of the incident have flooded social media, including a heartbreaking clip of a father holding his child moments before the collapse, and rescuers pulling injured women from the riverbank.

Public outrage has surged, with hashtags like #JusticeForKundmalaVictims, #PuneBridgeCollapse, and #NegligenceKills trending nationwide.

🔚 Final Word: A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented

The collapse of the Kundmala bridge is not just a local disaster — it’s a national wake-up call.

It’s a stark reminder that when maintenance is ignored, when warnings go unheard, and when leadership delays — lives are lost.

As Pune mourns its dead and tends to the wounded, one question echoes louder than all:

“Why did this have to happen before anyone acted?