AIZAWL: In a heart-wrenching incident on August 23, an under-construction railway bridge near Sairang, just 21 km from the capital Aizawl in Mizoram, collapsed, leading to the tragic loss of 23 lives. The Central Committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) has called for a thorough investigation into the disaster. The mishap occurred during the launching of a gantry onto the bridge over the Kurung River.
The Central YMA has not only sought a comprehensive probe but also appealed to ABCI and the Silchar-based BBJ companies, the entities responsible for executing the bridge's construction, to extend ex-gratia support to the victims and their families. The catastrophe has brought grief to the entire region, prompting calls for accountability and aid.
Mizoram's Railways, in its preliminary findings, have attributed the accident to the collapse of the gantry being launched onto the bridge. The bridge's construction was underway with aspirations of improving transportation infrastructure in the area. The sudden collapse occurred around 10 am, casting a pall of sorrow over Sairang.
Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Mizoram's Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), has reported that 18 bodies have already been recovered from the wreckage, while five individuals remain unaccounted for. Distressingly, all 12 identified casualties hailed from West Bengal, emphasizing the widespread impact of this disaster. It is believed that the other victims also share the same origin.
During the bridge's collapse, approximately 26 workers were present at the site. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, underlining the critical importance of stringent safety measures during construction projects, particularly those of such magnitude.
As Mizoram grapples with this tragic event, the demand for a meticulous investigation to ascertain the causes of the collapse and prevent future occurrences has gained momentum. The Central YMA's call for compensation recognizes the immediate and long-term challenges that the victims' families now face.
In a somber reminder of the fragility of construction projects and the human lives intertwined with them, this incident stands as a poignant call to action. It underscores the necessity for unwavering adherence to safety protocols, comprehensive oversight, and immediate response mechanisms in any infrastructure development. The nation mourns the lives lost and stands united in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
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