Mizoram: Steel girder collapses in under-construction rail bridge site, 17 dead, 23 feared trapped

PM expresses grief, announces ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured

In a major tragedy at around 11 am this morning, 17 people, all railway workers, died after a steel girder collapsed as it was being placed on the under-construction pier bridge of the Railways at Sairang, 19 kms from Mizoram’s capital Aizawl.

The under construction railway bridge is over the Kurung river connecting Bairabi to Sairang.

There were at least 40 workers at the site when the girder collapsed, sources said.

“The bridge is intact. It is the gantry that has fallen down. The local railway team is already there. An 8-member medical team is already on way to the site. Rescue operations are already underway. NDRF team is already at the site,” CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railway, Sabyasachi De told Northeast Live.

Details about the workers are still not know.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “pain” at the mishap and loss of lives. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those 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 PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured,” the PM said in a tweet.

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…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

Mizoram CM Zoramthanga too condoled the deaths and thanked the local people for their prompt action in helping the injured.

“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,” tweeted Mizoram CM Zoramthanga.

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

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also condoled the deaths and extended his thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims.

The people of Assam firmly stand with our Mizo brothers and sisters in this hour of grief. This tragic loss is irreplaceable. Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims. 🙏

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 23, 2023

Also Read: Floods in Mizoram: Villages in Lunglei and Lawngtlai districts inundated

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