Warehouse Collapse in Kolkata Leaves Several Trapped
An under-construction three-storey warehouse collapsed in the Taratala area of west Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, trapping several people under the debris, police said. A Kolkata Police official confirmed that 10 people have been rescued so far and taken to hospital.
The incident occurred on Transport Depot Road near Brace Bridge. The roof of the warehouse gave way around noon, and massive chunks of iron beams and concrete crumbled, trapping workers who were engaged in construction activities.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts
Eyewitnesses reported hearing cries for help from beneath the debris. One eyewitness stated, "Construction activities were taking place on the ground floor while the RCC structure for the first and second floors had been completed. The entire structure has come crashing down."
Rescue operations are being conducted by personnel from Kolkata Police, Disaster Management Group, civil defence, and fire and emergency services. Army officials have also joined the efforts. Cranes and heavy equipment are being used to remove collapsed iron beams, and gas cutters are cutting through concrete. Vertical drilling is being employed to reach trapped victims.
Allegations of Substandard Materials
A fire department official alleged that substandard materials were used in the construction of the warehouse. The official claimed the roof collapsed during casting work. Local residents also alleged large-scale illegal construction activities in the area for some time.
Minister Indranil Khan stated, "We will definitely look into the causes of the accident and whether there were any irregularities. But right now, the priority is to rescue as many victims as possible."
Government and Political Response
Urban development minister Agnimitra Paul and Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey have rushed to the spot. BJP leader Rakesh Singh also arrived earlier. Control room numbers for the Disaster Management Group have been opened at the state secretariat: 1070, 86979 81070, 033-2214 3526/2253 5185.
A Kolkata Police disaster management group member said, "We are following the cries for help coming from under the debris. At the same time, we are assuring the trapped people that they will be rescued soon."
