At least 17 people were killed in Mizoram after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the proposed Sairang-Sihmui railway station, about 25 km west of Aizawl, on Wednesday, August 23rd. According to reports, there were around 40 workers at the site.
“Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far…many others are still missing”, a police officer informed the press.
The Sairang branch of the Young Mizo Association is currently carrying out rescue operations along with the authorities.
“The bridge that collapsed was part of an Indian Railways project to connect all state capitals in the northeast region. It has been under construction for some years now. The incident happened around 11am. We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the accident and how many people actually were on it when it occurred”, Sabyasachi De, chief public relations officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), said.
The bridge was constructed over the Kurung River and is located between Bairabi and Sairang railway stations. The height of the pier of the bridge is 104mts. Sairang railway station is set to be the last railhead before reaching Mizoram’s capital Aizawl. Once completed, the project will connect Aizawl with the national railway network.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed grief over the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and said, “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 injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations (sic).”
“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,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, adding that an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured.
