Kolkata
Kolkata: Dozens trapped as Taratala warehouse roof collapses, rescue ops underway
Kolkata/IBNS: A roof collapse at an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area triggered a major rescue operation on Wednesday afternoon, with several workers are trapped beneath the debris.
According to local sources, a large number of labourers were working at the site when the structure suddenly gave way.
The collapse left many workers trapped under concrete slabs and heavy iron beams.
Rescue operation begins immediately
Local residents rushed to the site and began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Police, fire brigade personnel and specialised rescue teams later reached the spot and launched a coordinated operation.
Rescue operations are underway at Taratala. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Initial reports suggest that the accident occurred while concrete casting work was in progress.
Around 50 to 60 workers were reportedly present at the site at the time of the collapse.
Rescuers cut iron beams to reach trapped workers
Rescue personnel have started cutting through large iron beams and metal structures using gas cutters in an attempt to reach those trapped underneath the rubble.
Local residents claimed that cries for help could still be heard from beneath the debris, raising hopes that more workers may be rescued alive.
State and central rescue teams are working together to reach trapped workers at Taratala, Kolkata. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Cranes deployed
Authorities have also brought in multiple cranes to remove heavy sections of the collapsed structure and speed up the rescue operation.
BJP leader Rakesh Singh arrived at the accident site after receiving information about the incident.
Ambulances rush injured to hospital
Several ambulances have been stationed at the location, and injured workers are being shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials said that some of the injured are in critical condition.
More than 10 workers have been rescued alive so far and rushed to SSKM hospital. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Casualties yet to be confirmed
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, if any, resulting from the collapse.
However, given the scale of the accident and the number of workers believed to be trapped, many local residents fear that the incident may have caused multiple deaths.
West Bengal ministers Agnimitra Paul and Indranil Khan, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation's (KMC) commissioner-administrator Smita Pandey have reached the scene to oversee the rescue operation.
Indian Army personnel join the rescue operation. Photo: IBNS
Units from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have alos joined the rescue efforts.
The state disaster management department has opened a control room at Nabanna.
Control room numbers:
1070
8697981070
033 22143526
033 22535285
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