In a tragic incident that has left a community in mourning, an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram, leading to the loss of at least 18 workers’ lives. The devastating event occurred on Wednesday, prompting swift response and expressions of condolence from both local and national authorities.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga took to social media to express his grief and stated that rescue operations were already underway. Sabyasachi De, CPRO of NF Railways, informed that railway officers had rushed to the site, with senior officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway also en route for assessment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon learning of the disaster, announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakhs from the PMMRF to the next of kin of each deceased worker, along with Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Modi took to social media to extend his condolences and assured that all possible assistance was being provided to those affected. He acknowledged the ongoing rescue operations to help those trapped.
Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared his grief on the incident and pledged a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs in case of death, Rs 2 lakhs for grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Mizoram’s Governor and Chief Minister of all possible assistance and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration were engaged in rescue operations.
Reports indicated that the collapse occurred during the construction of the railway overpass, with around 35-40 workers present at the site at the time. While 17 bodies had been recovered from the debris, many were still feared trapped. Railway officials emphasized that a high-level inquiry committee had been formed to investigate the matter and that the bridge girder process had been approved by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
The tragedy resonated beyond Mizoram’s borders, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing her condolences and revealing that some of the deceased workers hailed from her state. She announced plans to coordinate with the Mizoram administration to offer assistance and compensation to the affected families.
The nation mourns the loss of these workers and stands united in support of the ongoing rescue efforts to save those who may still be trapped.
