Four Dead in Kolkata Building Collapse

Rescue Operations Begin After Tragic Kolkata Collapse

A collapse of an under-construction five-storey building in Kolkata has resulted in the loss of at least four lives. Over 10 individuals have been rescued, with ongoing efforts to locate additional survivors amidst the debris.

The tragedy unfolded around midnight on Monday, with the building collapse occurring in Kolkata's Garden Reach area.

Two elderly women, tragically, succumbed to the incident. Despite being rushed to the hospital, they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

One of the victims, identified as Hasina Bibi, was a local resident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during her visit to the collapse site, stated that the state administration had not granted official permission for the construction of the building.

"Rescue operations commenced promptly following the incident. Sadly, two individuals have lost their lives, while five to six people remain trapped inside. Efforts are underway for their swift rescue. Various departments including medical and fire services are actively involved in the operation. It's important to note that the building was being constructed illegally, as official permission from the state administration was not obtained," stated Mamata Banerjee.

"An investigation into the accident has been ordered, and stringent action will be taken against those responsible for the construction of this unauthorized building. The state government is committed to extending support to the families of the deceased and injured. Additionally, assistance will be provided to individuals whose houses nearby have been damaged. We are dedicated to aiding all those affected," affirmed the Chief Minister.

Earlier in the morning, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim visited the accident site and declared compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to the next of kin of the victims and Rs 1 lakh for each injured individual.

He informed reporters that the building's promoter would face arrest. West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose, speaking to the ANI news agency, cautioned that there is a possibility of more people being trapped under the debris.

The collapse occurred on one of several shanties surrounding the under-construction building. Presently, a substantial team comprising the Kolkata Police, Fire Department, and West Bengal Police Disaster Management Group is engaged in the search and rescue operations.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and other senior officials are on-site, overseeing the rescue operation. Nonetheless, locals have voiced allegations of numerous illegal constructions in the area, with some claiming to have received indirect assistance from the city administration.

Indranil Khan, the state president of the BJP Yuva Morcha, claimed that the collapsed building was also being constructed illegally. He criticized both the Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation for permitting such construction within the city.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, stated in a post on X, "A 5-storey building (illegally constructed) has collapsed at Hazari Mollah Bagan; Garden Reach; Metiabruz, KMC Ward No. 134. This particular area falls under the so-called 'citadel' of Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata and Municipal Affairs Minister."

Adhikari added, "I am receiving frantic calls regarding probable casualties. Please dispatch any team which can help in rescuing the victims, be it Fire Servicemen, Police, or any other team."