In a devastating incident that unfolded on August 23, a tragic bridge collapse near Aizawl, Mizoram, has claimed the lives of 23 individuals. The Central Committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) has called for a thorough investigation into the collapse of the under-construction railway bridge situated in Sairang. This calamitous event has prompted a demand for accountability and justice.
The ill-fated incident took place at approximately 10 am on Wednesday when the under-construction railway bridge, spanning the Kurung River, suddenly gave way. The bridge, which was in the process of being erected, tragically collapsed, resulting in a significant loss of lives and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The site, situated merely 21 km from the Mizoram capital Aizawl, witnessed a scene of utter devastation.
The Mizoram IGP (Law and Order), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, has reported that 18 bodies have been successfully retrieved from the debris, while an additional five individuals remain unaccounted for. The victims of this heart-wrenching incident primarily hail from West Bengal, with 12 bodies having been identified thus far. It is suspected that the remaining victims are also from West Bengal, underscoring the broad reach of this tragedy.
The Railways, in their initial assessment, have attributed the accident to the collapse of a gantry that was in the process of being launched onto the under-construction bridge over the Kurung River. The bridge, a joint effort involving the ABCI and Silchar-based BBJ companies, stands as a solemn reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures during such ambitious construction projects.
In the wake of this catastrophe, the Central YMA has issued a plea to the involved companies, ABCI and BBJ, to extend ex-gratia assistance to the victims and their families. As Mizoram mourns this grievous loss of life, questions regarding the safety protocols, construction standards, and overall project supervision come to the forefront. As investigations unfold, the nation watches closely, hoping for answers, accountability, and solace for the families affected by this monumental tragedy.
