At least 17 individuals have died after a gantry at a railway bridge that was below development collapsed in India.

Several extra are feared lifeless.

The collapse occurred in Sairang, a city round 12 miles (20km) from the state capital Aizawl in Mizoram state within the northeastern a part of the nation.

Several others have been injured, police mentioned. The lifeless are believed to have been engaged on the positioning.

Around 40 staff have been on the development website on the time of the collapse. The bridge has been below development for 2 years.

Rescue efforts are persevering with. Rail authorities are additionally investigating the reason for the collapse.

People residing close by rescued injured staff and rushed them to hospital, police mentioned. Rescuers from the government-run National Disaster Response Force additionally rushed to the scene to seek for survivors.

"Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," India's prime minister Narendra Modi mentioned on messaging platform X.

"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," chief minister Zoramthanga mentioned.

"Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations."

India's transport infrastructure has lengthy been marred by security considerations, generally resulting in main disasters on its highways and bridges.

In October final 12 months, a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed right into a river within the western Indian state of Gujarat, sending tons of plunging into the water and killing no less than 132 in one of many worst accidents within the nation prior to now decade..