4 Killed as Unsafe Bridge Collapses at Tourist Spot in Pune District

Fatalities and Casualties

• Four people died, including a 5‑year‑old boy, three identified as Chandrakant Sathle, Rohit Mane, and Vihan Mane
• One person is missing, feared swept downstream
• 51 people were injured, with 8 in critical condition; 42 others were stable or discharged

Bridge Conditions & Warning Signs

• The 30‑plus‑year‑old footbridge, intended only for pedestrians, was marked unsafe and had warning signs installed by local officials
• No barricades or enforcement were in place, and two-wheeler riders continued using the bridge as a shortcut
• Witnesses noted over 100–150 people on the narrow bridge at collapse time, with some taking selfies amid monsoon tourist traffic

Rescue Operations

• The collapse occurred around 3:30 PM, just as monsoon rains swelled the river
• Rescue teams from the NDRF, CRPF, police, and fire brigade deployed cranes and diving teams, continuing into the evening and overnight
• Local villagers were swift to respond, pulling victims from the water before official teams arrived

Government Response

• Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Shinde & Pawar, and Home Minister Amit Shah extended condolences and pledged support
• The Maharashtra government will provide ₹5 lakh compensation to families of the deceased and cover medical expenses for victims
• A five-member committee led by the district collector will investigate administrative lapses and suggest safety reforms within 15 days
• Plans for a new ₹8 crore parallel bridge have been approved, with construction set to begin post-monsoon

Broader Safety Implications

• The tragedy highlights a recurring issue: aging infrastructure at monsoon tourist destinations. Similar patterns have emerged locally in recent years, prompting calls for stricter maintenance and visitor controls
• Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has ordered structural audits of similar bridges across Maharashtra to prevent future disasters
• Villagers and local leaders have criticized administrations for not installing permanent barricades or on-site enforcement despite clear signage

Looking Forward

• The rescue operation remains ongoing as efforts continue to find the missing person.
• The committee’s findings will determine any administrative or policing accountability.
• Construction of the new bridge aims to mitigate the pressure on unsafe infrastructure.
• A massive structural audit across Maharashtra is expected to identify and fortify high-risk tourist structures before the next monsoon.