Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reported that a warehouse under construction in south Kolkata’s Taratala area suffered a roof collapse, resulting in three fatalities, 21 workers rescued, and around 18 individuals still trapped. Adhikari commended the civil defence, fire department, and Kolkata Police for their swift response, saving numerous lives. He also acknowledged the efforts of NDRF and Indian Army personnel involved in the rescue operation.
Adhikari disclosed that the tragic incident occurred at 12:07 pm, with 12 injured workers receiving treatment at SSKM Hospital. Despite ongoing rescue efforts providing trapped workers with water and oxygen, 15 to 18 individuals remain under the debris. The Chief Minister criticized the flawed building plan and pledged action against the owners, identified as Behera Brothers, emphasizing that work on all under-construction commercial properties in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area would be halted until July 31.
Furthermore, Adhikari announced stringent measures, including audits and on-the-spot inspections of building plans, with work resumption permitted only for compliant properties from August 1 onwards. He expressed intentions to visit the hospital to meet the injured workers and confirmed the identities of two deceased workers as Rohit Chowdhury and Krishna Chowdhury. The rescue operation, involving various agencies like the Indian Army and NDRF, continues with the deployment of hydraulic cranes and gas cutters to clear the collapsed structure.
Locals initiated rescue efforts upon the sudden collapse of the warehouse roof, with reports suggesting welding work issues as a possible cause. A hydraulic crane capable of lifting heavy loads has been deployed to stabilize the structure and prevent further collapse. The collapsed area, estimated at around 20,000 square feet, lacked internal walls, leading to a complete collapse due to excess weight. Sniffer dogs are aiding the search for remaining trapped workers, as rescue operations persist.
