At least 17 people were killed after an under-construction rail-road bridge collapsed near the proposed Sairang rail station, about 21 kilometre from the capital city of Aizawl, on Wednesday.
Officials said many more are feared trapped at the site and efforts are on to rescue them. “There were about 35 to 40 construction workers when the bridge collapsed,” they said.
The bridge, which is being constructed over the Kurung river near Aizwal, is located between Bairabi and Sairang railway stations. The height of the pier of the bridge is 104 m.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the deaths through statements on X, formerly Twitter.
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
Shocked to learn about the tragic collapse today of an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram, leading to loss of lives of several site workers, including some belonging to our Malda district. Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 23, 2023
Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 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/IbmjtHSPT7
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023
