23 workers killed after under-construction railway bridge collapses in Mizoram

The 51.38km new railway line is being constructed to connect Aizawl with rest of the country through railway.

At least 23 workers died and three others were injured after a girder of an under construction railway bridge at Sairang near Mizoram capital Aizawl collapsed on Wednesday morning.

The incident took place at around 10 am when workers were engaged in installation of the girder over the 100-meter high piers of the bridge being constructed over Kurung river to connect two hills for laying tracks. Sairang is situated about 21-km from Aizawl.

Mizoram Inspector General of Police (law and order), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte told DH that 23 bodies have been recovered while efforts were under way to trace the remaining ones.

"The QRT team and the NDRF personnel rescued one injured worker from the top of one of the piers. Two QRT officials, Lalhriatzuala and Lalfakzuala brought down the injured worker rappelling down the 100 meter high pillar," said a government statement.

Sources said most of the deceased hailed from Malda district of West Bengal.

Connectivity dream:

The bridge is being constructed as part of the 51 km-long new railway line project to connect Sairang and Bairabi, a town situated along Barak Valley in South Assam. The project, once completed, will put Mizoram capital in the country's railway map. Aizawl, at present, is not connected by railway.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) headquarters here, however, did not share any information about the mishap.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the mishap and assured all necessary help from the Centre in the rescue efforts. Chief Minister Zoramthanga also spoke to officials and took stock of the rescue efforts launched soon after the incident.

"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," Zoramthmaga posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter).

The bodies will be handed over to the railway department for transportation to their homes.