In a tragic incident in Mizoram, an under-construction railway bridge near Sairang, about 21 kilometers from the state capital Aizawl, collapsed, leaving at least 17 workers dead, and several others feared trapped. The bridge, a part of an Indian Railways project aimed at connecting all the state capitals in the northeast region, was meant to bring railway connectivity to Aizawl. The incident occurred around 11 am on a Wednesday, shocking the local community and authorities.
At the time of the bridge collapse, there were approximately 40 construction workers on-site, diligently working to bring railway connectivity to the region. Unfortunately, the collapse of the bridge resulted in a tragic loss of life. As of now, 17 bodies have been recovered from the debris, but many workers are still unaccounted for. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, pending the completion of rescue operations.
The Sairang branch of the Young Mizo Association has taken the lead in conducting search and rescue operations. Their efforts are critical in locating and aiding any survivors trapped under the wreckage. The challenging conditions and uncertainty surrounding the number of people on the bridge when it collapsed make the rescue operation both complex and urgent.
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Mizoram's Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, expressed deep sorrow and condolences via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He shared his grief over the incident and offered support to the affected families and injured workers. Zoramthanga also commended the efforts of the local community, who came forward in large numbers to assist with the ongoing rescue operations.
The collapse of the under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram is a heart-wrenching tragedy that has claimed the lives of at least 17 construction workers. The incident has not only shocked the local community but has also raised questions about construction safety and infrastructure development in the region. As rescue efforts continue, the hope remains that more survivors will be found amidst the debris. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects and the importance of stringent safety measures to protect the lives of those who work tirelessly to build the future.
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