On Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred in India’s remote northeast region, resulting in the unfortunate demise of a minimum of 22 laborers who were engaged in the construction of a railway bridge across a ravine. Additionally, there are concerns that four more individuals may have lost their lives in this unfortunate event. The occurrence transpired in Sairang, a municipality located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the northwest of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram state. Sairang is situated in a remote region near the border with Myanmar.
The Mizoram chief minister, Zoramthanga, shared video footage depicting a metal frame that had fallen from elevated columns into a forested valley. Expressing profound sorrow and emotional impact, he articulated on the social media platform X, previously recognized as Twitter. Zoramthanga, a mononymous individual, expressed gratitude for the significant turnout of individuals who actively participated in the rescue operations.
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, a total of forty laborers were engaged in work at the location. A confidential employee of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous due to lack of authorization to engage with the media, reported that a total of 22 deceased individuals have been retrieved from the debris. Additionally, he stated that four individuals remained unaccounted for. A committee has been established with the purpose of conducting an investigation into the underlying factors contributing to the occurrence of the accident.
The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that rescue activities are currently in progress and comprehensive aid is being provided to individuals impacted by the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow and sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families affected by the accident, as stated by his office. According to official statements, the government has announced its intention to provide a monetary compensation of approximately $2,400 to the immediate family members of individuals who have tragically lost their lives.
The announcement of separate compensation for individuals who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the disaster was made by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways. Building and construction collapses are frequently observed during India’s monsoon season, which spans from June to September. This occurrence is mostly attributed to the vulnerability of aged and unstable constructions that succumb to the prolonged and incessant rainfall. A tragic incident occurred in western India this month, resulting in the unfortunate demise of a minimum of 20 workers. The incident took place when a crane collapsed above an expressway that was under construction in the vicinity of Mumbai, the financial hub of the country. In the previous year, a tragic incident occurred in Gujarat state, resulting in the loss of lives of at least 137 individuals. This unfortunate event took place when a pedestrian bridge collapsed, causing numerous individuals to fall into a river or desperately hold onto the wreckage, all while vocalizing pleas for assistance amidst the absence of light.
In 2016, a tragic incident occurred in Kolkata where a flyover collapsed onto a heavily trafficked roadway, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of at least 26 individuals. In the year 2011, a tragic incident occurred near the hill town and renowned tourist destination of Darjeeling, resulting in the loss of lives of no fewer than 32 individuals. The incident involved the collapse of a bridge that was densely populated with festival attendees. In a span of less than seven days, a tragic incident occurred in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in the loss of around 30 lives. The incident involved the collapse of a footbridge situated across a river.