Kolkata warehouse collapse: Search operation continues for trapped workers

Kolkata, June 24 (IANS) Rescuers are continuing efforts to bring out about 18 people trapped under the debris of a collapsed warehouse in the Taratala area of Kolkata.

“We are still working to bring out the people trapped under the debris. We have to proceed carefully as the debris may harm those trapped underneath,” a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official told IANS.

The under-construction godown collapsed on Wednesday afternoon.

The Kolkata Police’s Disaster Management Group and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) responded immediately, while the Army and the NDRF were subsequently called in.

The first responders succeeded in bringing out 21 workers from under the rubble. Three of them died, while the others are undergoing treatment.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reached the accident site along with a few ministers from his Cabinet.

“All the agencies are working together. We have rescued 21 persons, of whom three have died,” he told the media.

About 18 persons are still trapped inside and contact has been established between them and rescue personnel, he added.

“Four columns of the Army have been swiftly launched for search and rescue operations in the Taratala neighbourhood today following the sudden collapse of an under-construction godown,” the Army’s Eastern Command posted on X.

“Deploying immediately after a distress call from the civil administration, a specialised team of Army rescue personnel, specialist engineers and medical personnel are assisting in rescue efforts. In coordination with the NDRF, SDRF and Kolkata Police, the Army personnel are sparing no effort to find several people believed to be trapped under heavy concrete debris,” it said.

“Senior Army officers are coordinating the rescue efforts. Eastern Command prays for the safety and well-being of the trapped citizens and assures that no effort will be spared to save them,” the post added.

According to survivors, 50-60 people were working at the site when the collapse occurred.

The godown was being built by a private party on land owned by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), at B/2 Transport Depot Road.

SMPK said it had mobilised cranes and gas cutters to the site for rescue and debris-clearance operations.

Its ambulances and medical teams have also reached the spot.

According to the port authority, it had leased out a plot measuring about 6,689 square metres to M/s Behera Brothers on August 1, 2024, for setting up a multi-storey warehouse and cold storage facility.

The lease agreement is for 30 years.

–IANS

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