New Delhi: An under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram today, killing at least 17 persons.
Numerous more are reportedly trapped at the location, according to officials, and rescue efforts are underway. "There were about 35 to 40 construction workers when the bridge collapsed," they said.
The incident was reported 21 kilometres from Aizawl, in the Sairang region.
In addition to expressing his sorrow over the disaster Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the injured will receive ₹ 50,000 apiece, and the deceased, ₹ 2 lakh each, NDTV reported.
According to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, rescue efforts are in progress at the scene of the accident.
"Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 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 injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he said on social platform X, previously known as Twitter.