18 killed, 5 missing as railway bridge collapse in Sairang
Aizwal : Atleast 18 workers from West Bengal were killed and five others feared dead after an under construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang area about 21km from Aizawl on Wednesday, police said. Three persons were injured in the incident that occured around 10 AM. in Sairang area, about 21 km from state-capital Aizawl, they said. The bridge runs over Kurung river on the broad gauge railway line between Bairabi and Sairang. Mizoram IGP Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said that 23 people were believed to be killed in the bridge collapse. “18 bodies have been recovered from the debris so far, while five others are still missing till 5 PM.” he said. Of the deceased, 12 bodies have been identified and all of then hailed from West Bengal, he said. The other victims are also believed to be from West Bengal, he said.
He said that 26 workers were present when the bridge over Kurung river at zero point in Sairang collapsed. Rescue operation is under way, he said. In a post on X
Mizorma CM Zoramthanga said he was deeply saddened over the loss of lives in the incident, and expressed gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue operation. “Under construction a railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today, at least 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 injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large number to help Home Minister Lalchamliana also made a special mention in the assembly on Wednesday and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
The Railways said the accident was due to collapse of a gantry, which was being was launched on the under-construction bridge over Kurung river. Meanwhile, the central committee of Young Mizo Association or Central YMA demanded a probe into the bridge collapse.
A statement issued by the organisation also urged ABCI and Silchar based BBJ companies, which executed the construction, to provide ex-gratia to the victims.
