A construction accident claimed the lives of more than a dozen workers on August 23 when a bridge under construction collapsed in northeastern India. This incident marks the latest in a series of infrastructure failures that have led to multiple fatalities in the country, CNN reports.
The collapse of the bridge occurred in Sairang, a town in Mizoram state, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 17 individuals and causing injuries to several others, as reported by Zoramthanga, the chief minister of Mizoram, who is known by a single name.
Images and videos shared by Zoramthanga on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) depict the shattered remains of the bridge lying on the ground, surrounded by a dense cloud of dust and smoke in the air.
Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress.
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023
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 expressed his deep sorrow and empathy over the incident, stating, "I am deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the grieving families and wish a swift recovery to the injured."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently attending the BRICS economic grouping summit in South Africa, also conveyed his condolences to the victims of the disaster. Modi wrote on X that he was "pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram," offering compensation of approximately $2,500 to the families of the deceased and $600 to the injured workers.
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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the…
Mizoram, characterized by its hilly and mountainous terrain, is located near the border of India with Bangladesh and Myanmar. The region's towns and villages rely on an intricate network of unsurfaced roads, single-lane tracks, highways, and bridges for connectivity.
This recent collapse adds to a series of infrastructure failures in India in recent months. The country has been engaged in rapid infrastructure development, investing substantial sums in upgrading its transportation network.
In June, a four-lane concrete bridge that was under construction across the River Ganges in Bihar state collapsed for the second time within slightly over a year, raising concerns about the quality of its construction.
In October of the previous year, a suspension bridge that had been recently repaired gave way in Morbi, a town in Gujarat, resulting in the tragic loss of 135 lives.
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