At least 17 workers were killed after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram's Sairang on Wednesday, 23 August.
The bridge, which was being constructed over the Kurung River to connect Bairabi to Sairang, is said to have collapsed at around 10:00 AM on Wednesday.
At least 30 to 40 workers are said to be trapped under the debris, and the number of casualties are likely to increase.
“So far, nine people have been rescued. NDRF, State administration and Railway officials are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing. It is also stated that the bridge girder process was duly approved by IIT experts. A high level enquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter," a railway official told news agency ANI.
Mizoram CM, PM Modi Express Grief
Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga took to X to express grief over the incident.
"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," he said, adding that rescue operations are ongoing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured persons.
“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: PM," the Prime Minister's Office said.
Sairang is around 20 km away from Mizoram's capital, Aizawl.
(With inputs from Ezrela Dalidia Fanai.)
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