Mizoram bridge collapse: Railways forms high-level probe committee; announces ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh

New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of each deceased in the Aizawl Railway bridge collapse in Mizoram that took place on Wednesday morning. 

Railway authorities have formed a high-level committee to probe into the matter. 

Taking to ‘X’, formerly Twitter, Vaishnaw wrote, “Grieved by the unfortunate incident in Mizoram. NDRF, state administration and railway officials are at the site. Rescue operation on war footing. Ex-gratia compensation; ₹10 Lakh in case of death, ₹2 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries”. 

At least 17 workers were killed in the under-construction railway bridge collapse incident in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Wednesday morning. 

Officials said that so far, 9 people have been rescued. 

“NDRF, State administration and Railway officials are carrying rescue operation on a war footing mode,” they said. 

“The bridge girder process was duly approved by IIT experts. A high-level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter,” officials added. 

According to officials, the incident took place in the Sairang area, about 20 km from Aizawl in Mizoram. 

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga condoled the incident, saying, “Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy.” 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also lamented over the incident. 

“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Mizoram where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang. My heart goes out to the families affected by the tragedy, I pray for them. Let’s stand united in these difficult times”, said CM Kejriwal. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister Relief Fund (PMMRF) to the next of kin of the deceased in the incident.