Mizoram: In an unfortunate incident, at least 18 workers were killed on Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram. Taking to X, Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed grief and said that rescue operations are underway. Sabyasachi De, CPRO of NF Railways informed that railway officers have rushed to the spot and senior officials of Northeast Frontier Railway will also visit the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs from PMMRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the family members of the deceased, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the victims. “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.
On Mizoram railway over bridge collapse, Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tweeted, "Grieved by the unfortunate incident in Mizoram. NDRF, state administration and railway officials are at the site. Rescue operation on war footing. Ex-gratia compensation: Rs 10 Lakhs in case of death, Rs 2 Lakhs towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries."
Amit Shah spoke to Mizoram's Governor and CM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and assured them all possible assistance after 17 workers were killed when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in the state.
"Anguished by the tragic accident in Mizoram. I have spoken to the Governor and CM Mizoram and assured all possible assistance. The NDRF and local administration are on-site, conducting rescue operations. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Shah wrote on 'X', formerly Twitter.
"So far, 9 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," Railway officials said.
17 workers killed
"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," Chief Minister Zoramthanga said in a post.
Several others feared trapped
Several others are feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl, police said.
“Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... many others are still missing,” a police officer said.
Mamata Banerjee on incident
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the deceased workers in Mizoram include a few from Malda district in her state. Banerjee also said she has instructed officials to coordinate with the Mizoram government for assistance in the rescue operation.
"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," she wrote on X. "Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at once for rescue/assistance operations. Malda district administration has been asked to reach out to the bereaved families for extending all possible help. We shall give due compensation asap to the next of kin of the affected families. Solidarity to the distressed, condolences to the families of the deceased. Situation under watch," Banerjee added.
(with inputs from PTI)
