Rescue workers search for survivors in bridge collapse in India

At least two are dead and 32 injured after a bridge collapsed on Sunday at a popular tourist destination in India. — Image credit: ANI/Reuters TV via REUTERS

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Summary

Bridge collapse

A bridge at a popular tourist destination in Kundamala, India, collapsed Sunday afternoon, leaving at least two dead and 32 injured.

Over 100 tourists present

The collapse sent many people into a swollen river; six are critically injured, and some may have been swept away, according to officials.

India's bridge collapse history

This tragedy follows a 2022 bridge collapse in Gujarat that killed at least 132 and injured 177, raising ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety.

Full story

At least two are dead and 32 injured after a bridge collapsed Sunday, June 15, at a popular tourist destination in India. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. local time in Kundamala.

At least six people were hospitalized in critical condition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on social media. Meanwhile, Press Trust of India reported that more than 100 tourists were on the bridge when it collapsed, plunging many into the swollen river. Fadnavis expressed concerns that some people may have been swept away.

The region has seen heavy rains recently. However, it was not raining at the time of the collapse.

Past incidents

This is not India’s first fatal bridge incident in recent years. In 2022, a cable suspension bridge collapsed into a river in the western state of Gujarat, injuring 177 and killing at least 132. Many were reported missing.

Tags: Bridge Collapse, India

Why this story matters

A deadly bridge collapse at a tourist site in India highlights ongoing concerns about public infrastructure safety and disaster response, especially amid severe weather conditions.

Public safety

The collapse resulted in fatalities and injuries among tourists, emphasizing ongoing risks to public safety in crowded or popular locations.

Infrastructure concerns

The incident draws attention to the reliability and maintenance of bridges in India, especially in the context of similar disasters.

Disaster response

The event necessitated emergency medical intervention and rescue efforts, highlighting the importance of rapid response systems and preparedness for mass-casualty incidents.

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Community reaction

Local community responses were characterized by immediate rescue efforts from residents, tourists, police and the National Disaster Response Force. Many members of the public participated in rescues before official teams arrived. Grief and frustration were expressed, particularly toward reported warnings that were unheeded by some tourists. Officials and citizens called for adherence to safety guidelines and stronger preventive measures in tourist areas.

Context corner

Bridge collapses in India have periodically occurred, particularly at older structures during the monsoon season, which brings intense rainfall and increased foot traffic at scenic spots. The 2022 Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat is referenced as a recent example with higher casualties. These incidents highlight persistent concerns about the maintenance, inspection and regulation of public infrastructure in rapidly developing regions.

Policy impact

The tragedy has prompted calls from government officials for a full investigation and accountability for negligence. Authorities proposed compensation for victims’ families and medical care for the injured. Discussions are underway regarding stricter enforcement of tourist access during monsoon season and expedited plans for constructing a new, safer bridge. Broader policy reviews on infrastructure inspection may result.

Sources

Bias comparison

Media outlets on the left foreground local safety concerns and the bridge’s maintenance history, casting the collapse as a preventable tragedy amid ignored warnings, using emotionally charged terms like “tragedy” and emphasizing the failure to protect civilians.
Media outlets in the center situate the collapse within broader systemic infrastructure vulnerabilities, de-emphasizing immediate blame or political response.
Media outlets on the right pivot sharply to laud the prompt, competent response of political leaders such as PM Modi and CM Fadnavis, framing the event as an unfortunate accident exacerbated by monsoon forces, with rhetoric highlighting “accelerated relief” and authoritative coordination.

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Media landscape

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125 total sources

Key points from the Left

Two individuals died and 32 were injured, including six critically, after a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed in Pune, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The bridge collapse occurred amid heavy rainfall, with locals warning about the bridge's safety prior to the incident.
Rescue operations are being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force, while officials fear that more victims may be missing.

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Key points from the Center

A metal bridge spanning the Indrayani River in Pune's Kundamala area gave way on Sunday, June 15, resulting in at least two fatalities and injuries to 32 people.
Heavy rains in the Pune district had swollen the river days before, contributing to a steady flow, and a large group of people was crossing the bridge when it suddenly gave way.
Rescue teams along with local officials have saved six individuals so far and are continuing efforts to find others who may be missing or trapped under rubble.
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered his sympathies, confirmed that relief efforts have been intensified, and stated that he is actively coordinating the rescue operations with officials present at the site.
The collapse highlights ongoing infrastructure safety concerns in India and prompted high alert among authorities while medical treatment continues for six critically injured people.

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Key points from the Right

A bridge collapsed over the Indrayani River in Pune district, resulting in two confirmed deaths and 32 injuries, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Emergency rescue operations are ongoing, with the National Disaster Response Force deployed to assist in searching for individuals who may have been swept away.
Officials reported that the area has experienced heavy rainfall, increasing the river's water level, which may have contributed to the collapse.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that the bridge was old and rusted.

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