‘Rebirth’: Eyewitnesses Recount Horror as Pune Bridge Collapses into Indrayani River

A serene Sunday afternoon turned tragic when an old footbridge over the Indrayani River in Pune’s Maval tehsil collapsed, plunging more than 100 people into the river below. The disaster claimed four lives and left 51 injured.

Eyewitnesses recalled the horrifying moment the narrow, overcrowded bridge gave way around 3:15 PM. “There were more than 150-200 people on the bridge, but at the spot where it collapsed, over 50 were standing,” said Swapnil Kollam, who survived the collapse. “It is God’s grace that my family is safe.”

Another survivor, Nikhil Kollam, described the experience as nothing short of divine intervention. “It is Lord Ram’s grace that we are safe. Today is the rebirth of me and my family,” he said, visibly shaken on the riverbank.

The deceased have been identified as Chandrakant Salve, Rohit Mane, and Vihaan Mane. One male victim remains unidentified, according to District Collector Jitendra Dudi. He confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing and all injured have been admitted to hospitals across the region.

Political Reactions: Congress Demands Accountability

The Congress party expressed grief and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge called it a “deeply distressing and avoidable tragedy,” while Rahul Gandhi said the incident was “extremely saddening.”

Congress media head Pawan Khera said the bridge collapse was a “heartbreaking tragedy” and emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible under the law.

As search and rescue efforts continue, questions are being raised about the safety and maintenance of aging public infrastructure, especially in densely populated and religiously significant areas.