INDIA: At least 26 construction workers were killed in the collapse of a railway bridge in northeastern India’s Mizoram state, with many more reported missing. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga released a video on X, revealing a metal frame falling off tall columns into a forested valley below.
A construction accident occurred in Sairang, Mizoram, near Aizawl, India. Eight more people have been found dead and are being extricated from the rubble, along with the 18 already rescued.
The state’s minister of transportation, T J Lalnuntluanga, reported that residents of a nearby community rushed to rescue injured workers and transport them to hospitals. The National Disaster Response Force also responded to the scene to search for survivors.
A train accident occurred during construction on the Bhairbi-Sairang New Line Railway Project in Mizoram, promoting tourism and socio-economic development. A high-level enquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
The government will provide 2 lakh ($2,400) to the surviving relatives of those killed, and a high-level enquiry committee will be formed to investigate the matter.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that rescue efforts are underway and support is being provided to those in need. CM Zoramthanga went on to say that several people had come out to aid with the rescue. He also stated that the tragedy has severely saddened and disturbed him.
The largest rail catastrophe in over 20 years claimed at least 288 lives in June, as per reports. In India, fatal accidents involving bridge collapses and other major infrastructure construction projects happen frequently.
135 people were killed when a suspension bridge from the colonial era fell in Morbi, Gujarat, in October of last year. One person was killed when a suspension bridge under construction in Bihar, collapsed in June.
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