The death toll from the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, Kolkata, has reached 16, as confirmed by the Kolkata Police. One more person, who was receiving treatment, succumbed to injuries, increasing the count from 15. Currently, 14 individuals remain under treatment at S.S.K.M Medical College & Hospital, with a few in critical condition.
Rescue operations have been ongoing for three days since the incident occurred. Collaboration between the Railways, Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF is aiding in the rescue efforts. Advanced plasma-cutting and oxy-cutting machines are being utilized to cut iron beams, while sniffer dogs and infrared victim locator cameras are assisting in the search for survivors.
A police complaint has been filed against former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and two Trinamool Congress Councillors, Anwar Khan and Shams Iqbal, by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mazdoor Cell in connection with the Taratala disaster. An investigation by the Kolkata Police’s SIT revealed that poor-quality construction material and a flawed casting pattern contributed to the tragedy.
Authorities have been unable to determine the exact number of workers present at the site during the collapse, as no attendance records were maintained. The absence of a workers’ register at the warehouse has complicated efforts to ascertain how many individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris.
