The bailey bridge which collapsed and resulted in the death of one person newar Sesawng village, Mizoram on February 13. (NNN Photo)
Opposition demands resignation of PWD Minister
Newmai News Network
Aizawl | February 13
In a tragic incident, a 46-year-old man was killed and one other injured when a bailey bridge over river Tuirini along the National highway-306 collapsed near Sesawng village, about 45 km north of Aizawl, on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as HC Lalfakzuala, a resident of Sesawng village in Aizawl district. A university student Laltleipuia Hmar, 26, also from the same village, suffered back injury after being hit by the collapsed bridge and was taken to nearby hospital the same day.
Sources said that the incident occurred around 10 am when the two victims were crossing the bailey bridge which is under construction by state Public Work Department (PWD).
“The two victims had gone for timber work to nearby forest and it was when they barely reached the middle of the bridge by crossing it on foot, then it suddenly collapsed burying them under debris,” the injured Laltleipuia’s father Remlalchhuanga said.
Lalfakzuala died on the spot while Laltleipuia sustained injuries and was rushed to Public Health Centre (PHC) in nearby Thingsultliah village. He is stated to be out of danger.
Meanwhile, Mizoram home minister R. Lalzirliana expressed anguish over the incident and announced ex-gratia payment of Rs. 4 lakh to the relatives of the deceased. He said that financial assistance will also be given to the injured person depending on his condition.
The home minister on Tuesday convened a high level ministerial meeting comprising PWD minister Lal Thanzara, transport minister John Rotluangliana, deputy speaker R.Lalrinawma, fishery minister Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu, industry minister H.Rohluna and state law commission chairman John Siamkunga to deliberate issues related with the incident. The meeting decided to constitute a magisterial inquiry commission to be headed by deputy commissioner of Aizawl district A. Muthamma to probe into the incident and instructed chief secretary Lalmalsawma to take necessary action. The commission will submit its report within three months of the inquiry, the meeting said.
Meanwhile, opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalruatkima strongly slammed the government for the incident and demanded the resignation of state PWD minister Lal Thanzara.
Lalruatkima, who paid a visit to the spot on Tuesday said the PWD minister should take moral responsibility and hence tender resignation for being incompetent to look after his ministry.
While expressing sorrow and condoling the deceased, Lalruatkima demanded that the government should pay at least Rs. 10 lakh to the bereaved family as ex-gratia and medical reimbursement to the injured.
He said that today's incident was not the first case in the state.
