At least 17 workers lost their lives on Wednesday when an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram collapsed near the Sairang area, according to officials. The tragic incident occurred in the morning, with around 40 workers present at the site. So far, rescuers have recovered 17 bodies, while fears remain that more workers could be trapped under the debris. The bridge, which was being built over the Kurung River to connect Bairabi to Sairang, was located approximately 21 kilometers away from Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram.
The devastating collapse has left Mizoram Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, deeply saddened. In a tweet, he expressed his condolences for the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. He also expressed gratitude to the numerous individuals who have come forward to assist with the ongoing rescue efforts.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety standards and precautions in place during the construction of crucial infrastructure projects. Investigations into the cause of the bridge collapse are underway, and further details surrounding the accident are expected to emerge in due course.
This tragic event in Mizoram serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by workers in the construction industry and highlights the importance of prioritizing safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As rescue operations continue, authorities will be focused on ensuring the well-being of any workers who may still be trapped and providing support to the grieving families affected by this devastating accident.