Sairang, 17 laborers were killed when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram. The accident took place around 10 am on Wednesday, about 21 km from Aizawl. According to the police, the bodies of 17 people have been recovered while the search is on for others. No information has come to the fore as to what caused the accident.

CM expressed grief

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed grief over the accident and tweeted, "Railway over bridge under construction at Sairang near Aizawl collapsed today. 17 laborers lost their lives. Rescue operations underway. Deeply saddened and affected by the tragedy." I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery. "I express my gratitude to the people who have come forward in large numbers to help in the rescue operations."

PM Modi expressed grief

The country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condoled the incident in Mizoram and has announced to give Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of all the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. He tweeted, "Saddened by the bridge accident in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured get well soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected. Rs 2 lakh Ex-gratia amount of 50 thousand rupees will be given to the next of kin of each deceased from PMNRF.

17 dead bodies removed from the debris

At the same time, on this accident, the police said that there is a possibility of many other people being trapped at the spot. About 35-40 workers were present when the incident took place around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl. "So far 17 bodies have been recovered from the debris. Many others are still missing."