Railway Bridge Collapse kills 17 people in India

At least 17 labourers working on a railway bridge have been killed when it collapsed in the Mizoram state of India.

The bridge was being built across a ravine when it collapsed on Wednesday, with others reported missing.

An Indian newspaper quoted a policeman as saying that 17 bodies had been recovered and “many others” were missing.

Video footage posted by Mizoram chief minister on Twitter showed a metal frame that had toppled off towering columns into a wooded valley below.

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

The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.” A compensation of $2,400 will be paid to the next of kin of those killed.

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.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023