No fewer than 17 labourers working on a railway bridge being built across a ravine in India’s eastern Mizoram state were killed when it collapsed on Wednesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that officials while confirming this said others were reported missing.
Video footage posted by Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga showed a metal frame that had toppled off towering columns into a wooded valley below.
Zoramthanga said, “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.”
The Indian Express newspaper quoted a policeman as saying that 17 bodies had been recovered and “many others” were missing. It was not possible to immediately verify the reports of people missing.
The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.”
Modi was “pained” by the accident and offered his “condolences to those who have lost their loved ones”, his office said on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, the government said it will pay some $2,400 to the next of kin of those killed.
Mizoram is in the far east of India, bordering Myanmar.
