At least three people have died, and several others were injured after a portion of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata's Taratala area on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place around 1 pm, triggering a massive rescue operation as fears remain that multiple workers could still be trapped under the debris. Eight injured persons were taken to the Trauma Centre of SSKM Hospital, where three were declared dead. However, police are yet to officially confirm the number of fatalities.
Iron beams collapse during construction work
The accident occurred near Brace Bridge, where work was underway on a warehouse project. During construction, several iron beams reportedly gave way and crashed down, leaving several workers trapped underneath.
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The sudden collapse triggered panic at the site as labourers and locals rushed to assess the situation.
Fire brigade, police launch rescue efforts
Fire brigade personnel and police teams reached the spot soon after the incident was reported. Rescue work is currently underway to clear the debris and locate those trapped.
Earth movers and gas cutters have been brought in to remove the heavy iron beams and other damaged portions of the structure.
Trapped workers heard calling for help
According to reports from the scene, workers stuck beneath the debris could be heard shouting for help as rescue teams worked to reach them.
Authorities are continuing the operation, and further details regarding the number of people trapped or injured are awaited.
BJP leader Rakesh Singh has already reached the accident site. He claimed that around 50 to 60 people may be trapped inside the collapsed iron beam structure. Rescue operations are currently underway.
Teams from the NDRF, fire brigade, police, and the Army are engaged in the rescue effort.
Upon receiving information about the incident, Minister and Behala East MLA Indranil Khan, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner Smita Pandey, along with other officials, rushed to the spot to oversee the situation.
