Rescue teams recovered five more people alive from the debris of an under-construction warehouse that collapsed in Kolkata’s Taratala area, keeping hopes alive for locating additional survivors more than 18 hours after the incident. Emergency personnel continued intensive search operations through the night amid concerns that several workers may still be trapped beneath the wreckage.
Officials said five people have been confirmed dead in the collapse, while 25 injured individuals are receiving treatment at various hospitals across the city. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon and triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
Collapse Occurred Near Brace Bridge Railway Station
The warehouse, located on Transport Depot Road near Brace Bridge railway station, reportedly collapsed around 12.07 pm. The structure belonged to Behera Brothers and was being constructed on a lease-hold property owned by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Local residents stated that between 25 and 30 workers were present inside the building when it suddenly gave way, trapping many under the debris.
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Rescue Teams Deploy Advanced Equipment
Rescue operations have involved personnel from Kolkata Police, fire and emergency services, civil defence units, and disaster management teams. Army personnel also joined the effort, assisting with heavy machinery and specialised rescue equipment.
Authorities deployed sniffer dogs, thermal detection devices, cranes, gas cutters, and vertical drilling equipment to locate survivors trapped beneath twisted iron beams and large concrete slabs.
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Workers Trapped Beneath Multi-Level Collapse
According to residents and workers in the area, the three-storey iron-and-cement structure had been under construction for nearly a year and was undergoing renovation work. Witnesses said the collapse originated from the upper levels, causing multiple floors to cave in and trapping workers underneath. Rescue personnel reported hearing cries for help from beneath the rubble as efforts continued to reach those still trapped.
Injured Victims Undergoing Treatment
Several injured workers were rushed to hospitals following the collapse. Ten of the injured were admitted to the Trauma Care Centre of the state-run SSKM Hospital, where officials said four patients remain in critical condition.
Medical teams have been assessing the condition of those rescued while emergency responders continue search operations at the site.
Police Launch Investigation Into Collapse
Kolkata Police intensified their investigation into the incident and arrested five more individuals during overnight raids. Three people had already been taken into custody on Wednesday, bringing the total number of arrests to eight.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by ACP (Crime) Kunal Agarwal has been formed to determine the cause of the collapse and examine whether negligence or construction irregularities played a role in the incident.
State minister Indranil Khan said authorities would investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident once rescue operations conclude. He stated that the immediate focus remains on locating and rescuing those still trapped beneath the debris. “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,” minister Indranil Khan told PTI, quoted the Telegraph.
Meanwhile, local residents have alleged that unauthorised construction activities had been taking place in the area for an extended period, prompting further scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
