Bengal: Part of house collapses in Kolkata

Kolkata, Aug 15 (IANS) A part of a four‑storey house on Dacres Lane in central Kolkata collapsed on Saturday. A major accident was averted as the bar and restaurant in the house were closed on Independence Day.

Dacres Lane in the Esplanade area is famous for roadside eateries offering pocket‑friendly food. Some of the houses also have restaurants and bars, frequented by office-goers during lunchtime and after work hours.

According to locals, a sudden loud noise was heard in the afternoon. Shocked residents rushed outside and saw that a large part of the four‑storey house in Government Place East had collapsed onto the road. Many people usually visit the bar, restaurant and other activities in this house every day. However, since it was August 15, the house was empty. Two people, including the caretaker, were on the other side of the house and survived.

Eyewitnesses said that on Saturday afternoon, while sitting in the opposite residence, they suddenly heard a loud noise. They rushed to see that the multi‑storey building had collapsed in the part where they usually sit and talk at noon. Panicked residents were evacuated from nearby multi‑storey buildings.

A resident said the building had shops, bars and restaurants but no residents. “Today, everything was closed. So, a major accident was averted,” he said, adding that the building was not considered dangerous.

After receiving news of the incident, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s demolition team reached the spot. Cracks have appeared in surrounding areas of the four‑storey building. Police cordoned off the area with iron barricades. An investigation has been launched to ascertain how the collapse occurred.

According to an initial assessment, the house was damaged during continuous rain this monsoon season, which could be the reason for the collapse.

–IANS

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