Up to 17 die in Indian railway bridge collapse

MIZORAM: A tragic incident occurred in Mizoram, an eastern state of India, where a railway bridge under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 labourers.

The accident took place as workers were building a bridge over a ravine. Disturbing video footage showed a metal frame collapsing from towering columns into the valley below.

Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, expressed his grief on X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming the loss of lives and the collapse of the under-construction railway over bridge near Aizawl. Reports suggest that there are still many laborers missing, but the exact number couldn’t be verified immediately.

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

The Indian government responded to the tragedy by launching rescue operations and offering assistance to the affected individuals. The Prime Minister’s office stated that a compensation of around $2,400 will be provided to the families of the deceased.

Large infrastructure accidents during construction are common in India. The incident in Mizoram echoes a similar incident earlier this month in western India, where a crane collapse killed 20 workers on an under-construction expressway near Mumbai.