Under-construction bridge collapses in Mizoram killing 17. Several more feared trapped

Tragedy struck Mizoram as an under-construction railway bridge collapsed killing 17 workers on the spot on Wednesday (August 23). The number of casualties is likely to rise as at least 30-40 more workers are said to be trapped in the rubble. Rescue operations are currently underway. 

• The incident took place around 10 am in Sairang area, 21 km from the northeastern state's capital Aizawl. 
• Picture and video footage of the bridge collapse shared by Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga shows a huge metal frame plunged into the valley below surrounded by pillars. 

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 bridge was being built over the Kurung river to connect Bairabi and Sairang. This would have connected Mizoram's capital Aizawl with the national railway network. It was part of an Indian Railways project to connect the capitals of northeastern states. 
• Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced various compensations for the kin of the deceased and those injured. 

Grieved by the unfortunate incident in Mizoram. NDRF, state administration and railway officials are at the site. Rescue operation on war footing.
Ex-gratia compensation:
₹10 Lakh in case of death,
₹2 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 23, 2023

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted out condolences over the incident. 

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

There have been a string of fatal infrastructure accidents in India in recent times. In June, a viral video showed the moment an under-construction bridge in Bihar collapsed, killing one person.

In October 2022, a century-old suspension bridge in Gujarat collapsed killing 135 people. There was even a major railway tragedy in June, with three trains colliding killing nearly 300 people.