Mizoram railway bridge collapse: 17 deaths reported so far

At least 17 employees have been killed, and several others are said to be trapped after an under-construction railway bridge fell near Sairang, Mizoram, about 11 a.m. on Wednesday, around 21 kilometres from the state capital Aizawl.

There were 40 construction workers on the bridge at the time of the tragedy.

“Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far…many others are still missing,” a police officer said, according to PTI.

The Sairang section of the Young Mizo Association is actively conducting rescue operations.

NRF on collision of Mizoram railway bridge:

“The collapsed bridge was part of an Indian Railways project to link all state capitals in the northeast region.” It has been in construction for several years. The incident occurred at 11 a.m. 

“We are still investigating the cause of the accident and how many people were on board when it happened,” Sabyasachi De, chief public relations officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), said.

The bridge was built over the Kurung River between the Bairabi and Sairang railway stations. The height of the bridge’s pier is 104 metres. 

The Sairang railway station will be the final railhead before reaching Mizoram’s capital. When finished, the project will link Aizawl to the national railway network.

Mizoram CM expressed his condolences:

On social media platform X (previously Twitter), Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga expressed his sorrow over the disaster, writing, “Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl fell today; at least 15 employees died: The rescue is currently ongoing.

This event has deeply saddened and touched me. I express my heartfelt condolences to all the lost families and wish the injured a fast recovery. 

Thank you to everyone who has come out in great numbers to assist with rescue operations.”

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