AT least twenty-six people have died after a railway bridge under construction collapsed in India.

Dozens are feared dead while many are trapped after the horror accident that happened in Sairang near the capital in the northeastern Mizoram state.

Officials said rescue efforts are underway as it estimated about 35-40 construction workers were at the site when the bridge collapsed.

An eyewitness described a loud bang before hearing workers, most of them from West Bengal, screaming for help.

Video footage posted by Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga showed a metal frame that had toppled off towering columns into a wooded valley below.

He posted: "Rescue under progress. 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."

The bridge collapse was triggered by one of the iron girders during its installation, causing it to lose balance and plummet to the ground while dozens of workers were still on it.

The rescue team continues to scour the area for survivors while amedical team is at the site to assist those who were injured.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "pained" by the accident and offered his "condolences to those who have lost their loved ones", his office said in a statement.

The government will pay some $2,400 to the next of kin of those killed, it said.

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Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Last year, chilling footage showed the moment another bridge in India collapsed killing at least 141 people.

It is estimated that 56 kids were among the victims after the 100-year-old suspension bridge crashed into the Machchhu River in Morbi, Gujarat.

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