Five Killed as Warehouse Structure Crashes Down in Kolkata, Dozens Feared Trapped

A major construction accident occurred in the Taratala area of western Kolkata on Wednesday after the iron roof and structural framework of an under-construction warehouse suddenly collapsed near Brace Bridge on Transport Depot Road. Several workers are feared to have been trapped beneath the debris. According to initial reports, the warehouse shed collapsed unexpectedly at around 1:30 p.m. while construction work was in progress. So far, five people have lost their lives, and authorities fear that 50 to 55 workers may still be trapped under the rubble. Local residents said that concrete pouring was underway inside the warehouse when the structure gave way, leaving workers buried beneath the debris. Police said rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the Kolkata Police, the Disaster Management Group, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Army. Cranes have been deployed to remove the debris, while gas cutters are being used to cut through twisted iron rods to reach those trapped underneath. Rescue teams continue to work at the site as efforts are underway to locate and safely evacuate the workers believed to be buried under the collapsed structure.