At least 17 workers were killed and several others were injured after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram’s Sairang on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl, while construction work was underway at the site.
Several labourers are feared trapped as over 35-40 people were reportedly present at the site when the incident occurred.
Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far… many others are still missing, a police officer said.
Rescue Op Underway
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and said the rescue work is underway.
“Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 15 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," the Chief Minister posted on X (formally Twitter).
Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 15 workers died: Rescue under progress.Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the… pic.twitter.com/nvtXvPGuWo
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023
Zoramthanga also posted a video of the incident, where the aftermath of the bridge collapse can be seen.
Ex Gratia Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also forwarded his condolences to the people who lost their loved ones in the accident and announced Rs 2 Lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of each deceased and financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for people who are injured.
“Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured," Prime Minister’s office posted on X.
Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023
Further, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke to Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and assured them all possible assistance after 17 workers were killed when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in the state.
“Anguished by the tragic accident in Mizoram. I have spoken to the Governor and CM Mizoram and assured all possible assistance. The NDRF and local administration are on-site, conducting rescue operations. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Shah wrote on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.