Three dead, dozens trapped as warehouse roof collapses in Kolkata’s Taratala

KOLKATA: At least three labourers were killed and over thirty others are feared trapped under debris after the roof of a three-story, under-construction warehouse collapsed in West Bengal’s capital on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at Transport Depot Road in the Taratala area of western Kolkata, near the Brace Bridge railway station.

According to police officials, the tragedy unfolded around midday while a large group of labourers was actively engaged in construction work. Witnesses reported hearing a deafening crash as the massive iron scaffolding and newly laid concrete roof caved in entirely, burying workers underneath. Local residents were the first to rush to the site, pulling out survivors before emergency services arrived.

A massive, multi-agency rescue operation is currently underway. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, and the Kolkata Police have been joined by the Indian Army to expedite the clearing of heavy steel beams and concrete slabs. Rescuers are utilising specialised cutters, hydraulic cranes, sniffer dogs, and drones to locate survivors in the rubble.

So far, at least eleven individuals have been successfully pulled out from the wreckage. They have been rushed to the nearby SSKM Hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Hospital authorities indicated that several of the injured remain in critical condition, and officials acknowledge that the death toll is likely to rise as clearing operations progress into the night.

Preliminary assessments by structural experts suggest that the sudden collapse may have been triggered by the use of substandard building materials, which failed under pressure while workers were casting concrete during a spell of heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is monitoring the situation in real-time and has directed local authorities to ensure maximum medical assistance for the victims. State Minister Indranil Khan, who visited the accident site to oversee the operations, stated that a high-level inquiry will be launched immediately. He emphasised that the government will thoroughly investigate any procedural irregularities or criminal negligence regarding the quality of construction, promising strict action against those found responsible.

The state administration has activated dedicated emergency control rooms and helplines to assist families looking for information regarding the missing workers.