17 workers killed as under-construction railway bridge collapses in Mizoram, Railways to probe

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of each deceased in the Aizawl railway bridge collapse in Mizoram that took place on Wednesday morning. The railway authorities have also formed a high-level committee to probe into the matter.

Taking to ‘X’, formerly Twitter, Vaishnaw wrote, “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”.

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

At least 17 workers were killed in the under-construction railway bridge collapse incident in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Wednesday morning. Officials said that so far, 9 people have been rescued.

“The NDRF, state administration and railway officials are carrying rescue operation on a war footing mode”, they said. The bridge girder process was duly approved by IIT experts. A high-level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter”, officials added.

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

According to officials, the incident took place in the Sairang area, about 20 km from Aizawl in Mizoram. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga condoled the incident, saying, “Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy”.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed grief over the incident. “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Mizoram where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang. My heart goes out to the families affected by the tragedy, I pray for them. Let’s stand united in these difficult times”, said CM Kejriwal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister Relief Fund (PMMRF) to the next of kin of the deceased in the incident. (ANI)