Aizawl: At least 17 workers died when an under-construction railway overbridge at Sairang, near Aizawl, collapsed on Wednesday, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on X (formerly Twitter).
"Under construction, the railway overbridge at Sairang, near Aizawl, collapsed today; at least 17 workers died. Rescue is in progress," Zoramthanga said on his social media handle.
The chief minister said he was deeply saddened and affected by the tragedy and extended his condolences to all the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
"Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have also expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to the bridge mishap.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
"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," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.
"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured," he added.
In a tweet, the West Bengal Chief Minister said some of the deceased were from Malda district in her state.
"I have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with the Mizoram administration at once for rescue and assistance operations. The Malda district administration has been asked to reach out to the bereaved families to extend all possible help," she said.