Five killed as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata; rescue operations continue

Kolkata: At least five workers were killed and around 20 others injured after a three-storey warehouse under construction collapsed in the Taratala area of Kolkata on Wednesday. Rescue teams continued their search operation amid fears that several workers may still be trapped beneath the debris.

The incident occurred around 1.30pm near Brace Bridge railway station when a portion of the structure reportedly gave way while roof concreting work was underway. The entire building collapsed shortly thereafter. Officials said between 30 and 40 workers were present at the site when the accident took place.

Personnel from the fire services, Kolkata Police, the State Disaster Management Force and the Army launched a joint rescue operation. Cranes, bulldozers and specialised cutting equipment were deployed to clear the debris and locate those trapped.

The injured were shifted to SSKM Hospital for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition. While initial reports put the death toll at three, two more workers later succumbed to their injuries, taking the toll to five.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the accident site and said a possible design flaw in the structure could have contributed to the collapse. She also ordered safety inspections of ongoing construction projects under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Authorities have constituted a multi-agency investigation team to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse. Police have arrested three persons, including the project supervisor, on charges of alleged negligence in construction-related activities.

The state government is expected to announce compensation for the families of the deceased and initiate strict action against those found responsible for the tragedy.