The incident occurred around 10 am when the workers were at the construction site, trying to fix segments of the bridge, East Mojo reported quoting police statement.
Police believe 35-40 workers are currently trapped under rubble.
Officials said 17 bodies have been recovered so far and the death toll might increase.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of live in the incident.
Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the…
"Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," PMO India wrote on X.
Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress.
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023
Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the… pic.twitter.com/IbmjtHSPT7
"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured," the tweet said.