Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jun 24: A major rescue operation is in progress in South Kolkata after the roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in the Taratala area on Wednesday, with authorities fearing that between 50 and 60 workers may have been trapped beneath the debris.
Emergency teams rushed to the site immediately after the incident, and around 13 workers have been rescued so far. The injured were taken to SSKM Hospital for treatment, where doctors said the condition of at least five of them remains critical.
Personnel from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Fire Brigade and Kolkata Police have joined the rescue effort, which is being carried out on a war footing.
Heavy machinery, including cranes and gas cutters, has been deployed to clear the wreckage and remove portions of the collapsed structure. Rescue workers are carefully cutting through iron beams and concrete slabs in an effort to reach those believed to be trapped underneath.
According to eyewitnesses, the roof suddenly gave way in the afternoon while a large number of labourers were working inside the warehouse. Local residents immediately began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Preliminary information suggests that a technical issue may have occurred during welding work inside the facility shortly before the collapse. Some residents also speculated that heavy rainfall on Tuesday could have weakened parts of the under-construction structure, contributing to the accident.
Locals claimed that cries for help could still be heard from beneath the debris as rescue teams continued their operations.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who reviewed the situation, is expected to visit the site later in the day. State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul has already reached the location and is overseeing the rescue efforts.
State Minister Indranil Khan also arrived at the scene and said that saving the trapped workers remains the administration’s top priority.
Other officials present at the site include Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner Smita Pandey and BJP leader Rakesh Singh.
Meanwhile, a control room has been set up at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to coordinate rescue and relief measures. Several ambulances have been stationed at the site to ensure the swift transportation of injured workers to nearby hospitals as the operation continues.