17 killed in under-construction rly bridge collapse in Mizoram

Aizawl: At least 17 workers were killed and several others are feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram on Wednesday, police said.
Nearly 35-40 workers were present at the site, about 21 km from Aizawl, when the incident occurred around 10 am, they said.
“Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far… many others are still missing,” a police officer said.
Rescue and relief efforts are underway, he said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the family members of the deceased, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the victims.
“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 next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said on X.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said he was deeply saddened over the loss of lives in the incident, and expressed gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue operation.