Rescue operations continued into the early hours of Thursday as five more individuals were pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed warehouse in Kolkata, officials confirmed. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has left several people still feared trapped under the debris more than 18 hours after the collapse.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, along with local fire brigade and police personnel, have been working tirelessly to locate and extract survivors. According to a senior NDRF official, the rescue operation is being conducted with extreme caution to avoid further destabilization of the remaining structure.
“We have successfully rescued five more individuals since midnight, bringing the total number of rescued to 12. However, we estimate that at least six to eight people remain trapped,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Cause Under Investigation
The warehouse, located in the northern part of the city, was reportedly used for storing industrial goods. Preliminary investigations suggest that structural weakness, possibly due to recent heavy rains, may have led to the collapse. A senior Kolkata Municipal Corporation official stated that the building was old and had not undergone recent structural audits.
“We are investigating the exact cause. The building was constructed decades ago, and there were no records of any major renovations or safety inspections in recent years,” the official added.
Casualties and Injuries
So far, two bodies have been recovered from the debris, and at least 15 injured individuals have been admitted to nearby hospitals. The injured include workers who were inside the warehouse at the time of the collapse, as well as passersby. Hospital sources said that three of the injured are in critical condition.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. She also assured that the state government would provide all necessary assistance to the injured.
Ongoing Search Operations
As daylight broke, rescue teams resumed their search with the help of sniffer dogs and cutting equipment. The focus remains on locating survivors, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of more casualties. “We are doing everything possible to reach those still trapped. Every second counts,” a fire brigade official said.
Local residents have gathered near the site, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. Many have criticized the authorities for not ensuring the safety of old buildings in the area.
The collapse has once again raised questions about building safety regulations in Kolkata, particularly for older structures. The municipal corporation has promised a thorough inquiry and action against those responsible if negligence is proven.
