17 crushed to death after under-construction railway bridge collapses in Mizoram

At least 17 workers were killed on Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram, police said. Several others are 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.

Aizawl (Mizoram): At least 17 workers were crushed to death and several others were missing on Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge caved in near the Sairang area of Mizoram, the police officials said. Over 40 workers were allegedly working at the spot at the time of the bridge collapse and many others were reportedly trapped under the debris. The incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl town, the officials said.

Officials rushed to the spot and took up rescue operations. Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris till reports last came in. Many others are still missing and efforts were to locate the remaining trapped workers, a police officer said. The railway bridge was being constructed over the Kurung River connecting Bairabi to Sairang.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed condolences, saying that he was deeply saddened over the mishap. In a tweet, he said the under-construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today and at least 17 workers died while the rescue was under progress. He said that he was deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy.

The CM extended his deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he said.