At least 17 workers were dead on Wednesday morning after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram, the police said in their statement. Several others are still feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl, they said.

"Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far. Many others are still missing," a police officer stated. Rescue and relief efforts are underway, he said.

Heavy casualties as 17 workers were killed and several others are still feared to be trapped.

Taking to X, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed his grief and said he was deeply saddened over the loss of lives in the incident, informed that the rescue operations are underway and expressed gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue operation. "Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl, collapsed today. At least 17 workers died. Rescue operation is under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations,” he posted on X.

Meanwhile, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed his sorrow on X, "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 lakh in case of death, Rs 2 lakh for grievous and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries."

Sabyasachi De, CPRO of NF Railways also informed that railway officers have rushed to the spot and senior officials of Northeast Frontier Railway will also visit the site.

PMO announces compensation for the victims dead

Dead

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took note of the accident and condoled the family members of the deceased. “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," the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on X.

Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to Mizoram's Governor and CM

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah spoke to Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and assured them of all possible assistance after 17 workers were killed after 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'.

"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.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also took note of the incident

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the deceased workers in Mizoram also include a few from the 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.

Please, also have a look : https://thetatva.in/infrastructure/17-dead-and-railway-cashes/15748/