Talegaon Dabhade, June 15, 2025 – What began as a peaceful Sunday visit to enjoy monsoon rains transformed into a devastating tragedy when the Kundmala Bridge collapsed over the Indrayani River in Maval taluka. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 PM, has left at least three people confirmed dead with several others still missing.
The popular tourist destination near Talegaon Dabhade was packed with visitors seeking relief from the heat when the ageing iron footbridge suddenly gave way. Families who had gathered to witness the first heavy downpours of the season found themselves caught in an unthinkable disaster.
Kundmala Bridge: Decades of Neglect Lead to Catastrophe
The Kundmala Bridge, constructed in 1993 to connect rural villages, had become a source of growing concern among local residents. The 30-year-old structure was originally designed only for pedestrian traffic but had been routinely used by motorcycles despite its narrow width.
Local villagers had repeatedly raised alarms about the bridge’s deteriorating condition, particularly during monsoon seasons when increased water flow put additional stress on the aging structure. Despite these warnings, authorities failed to implement meaningful safety measures.
A resident from the area expressed frustration while watching rescue teams work through the wreckage: “This bridge was never built to handle current traffic levels. We filed numerous complaints over the years, but our concerns fell on deaf ears.”
Emergency Response Mobilizes
The Pune District Disaster Management Authority reported that nearly 100 tourists were present on or around the bridge when it collapsed. Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), immediately launched rescue operations in the turbulent waters below.
Seven injured victims were quickly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. However, search operations continue for those still unaccounted for in the Indrayani River.
Kundmala Bridge: Political Leaders Visit Disaster Site
Several high-ranking officials arrived at the scene to assess the situation:
- Baramati MP Supriya Sule – Offered condolences to affected families
- Maval MLA Sunil Shelke – Coordinated with local authorities
- Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey – Oversaw rescue operations
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Vishal Gaikwad provided updates on the ongoing rescue efforts: “NDRF teams along with other emergency agencies are working around the clock to locate missing persons.”
Tourist Destination Becomes Death Trap
Kund Mala transforms into a scenic paradise during monsoon months, attracting visitors with its verdant landscape surrounding the rushing Indrayani waters. Many tourists present during the collapse were unfamiliar with the area, making them unaware of the bridge’s precarious condition.
The Pune District Administration had previously identified the location as potentially hazardous, yet no protective barriers or warning signs were installed to alert visitors of the danger.
Kundmala Bridge: Administrative Failures Under Scrutiny
The tragedy has sparked intense criticism of local authorities for their apparent negligence. While the bridge underwent minor repairs five years ago, fundamental structural issues remained unaddressed.
An eyewitness from Talegaon expressed anger over the preventable nature of the disaster: “Natural forces didn’t cause this – it resulted from criminal negligence by those responsible for public safety.”
Calls for Justice Grow Louder
As rescue operations extend into the evening hours, demands for accountability intensify. Local residents are calling for:
- A comprehensive judicial investigation into the collapse
- Financial compensation for victims’ families
- Construction of a modern, safe replacement bridge
- Stricter oversight of ageing infrastructure
From Paradise to Tragedy
The serene tourist haven of Kund Mala has been transformed into a scene of grief, serving as a sombre reminder of how infrastructure neglect can turn natural beauty into deadly hazards. The Kundmala Bridge collapse represents more than just a structural failure – it symbolizes the consequences of ignoring public safety in favour of administrative convenience.
As search teams continue their efforts through the night, families wait anxiously for news of their missing loved ones. The tragedy serves as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritize infrastructure maintenance before more lives are lost to preventable disasters.
The monsoon season, typically celebrated for bringing life to the region, has instead brought devastating loss to the community of Kund Mala.
Be First to Comment