NEW DELHI, Aug 23: At least 25 labourers are feared killed after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang area in Mizoram, about 21 km from the state capital Aizawl, on Wednesday.
According to railway and police officials, 22 bodies have been recovered so far while four more bodies are feared still trapped under the collapsed steel structure. Rescue operations are on to recover the remaining trapped bodies.
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 ₹ 2 lakh each for the families who have lost a loved one in the accident, and ₹ 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 ₹ 2 lakh from PMMRF would be given to the family of the deceased,” the PMO said.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said rescue operation is underway at the accident site. “Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 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 X,
The 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 a team of railway officers had been rushed to the spot and senior officials of zone would also visit the site.
(Manas Dasgupta)