22 Killed As Under-Construction Railway Bridge Collapses In Mizoram

At least 22 workers were killed after an under-construction Railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram today. 

According to railway and police officials, 22 bodies have been recovered so far. Rescue operations are on to recover the remaining four bodies from under the collapsed steel structure.

The incident was reported from Sairang area, about 21 km from Aizawl.

The Railways has constituted a high-level committee to probe the incident involving the under-construction bridge, one of the 130 bridges in the Bhairavi-Sairang New Railway Line project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families who have lost a loved one in the accident, and Rs 50,000 each for the 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 PMMRF would be given to the…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

    
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said rescue operation is underway at the accident site.   

"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 injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he said on social platform X, previously known as Twitter.

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

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he has spoken to Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and the Chief Minister, and assured them all possible assistance. 

Sabyasachi De, chief public relation officer of Northeast Frontier Railway, said that a team of railway officers has been rushed to the spot and senior officials of zone will also visit the site.