A tragic incident unfolded in Kolkata’s Taratala area on Wednesday when a three-storey warehouse under construction collapsed, leaving at least four people dead and around 17 others injured. The disaster triggered a large-scale rescue effort involving the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire services.
Rescue operations continued through the day as authorities feared that more than a dozen workers remained trapped beneath the debris. The sounds of workers calling for help from under the wreckage offered hope that additional survivors could still be rescued.
So far, 21 workers have been pulled from the rubble and taken to nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition. Rescue teams are continuing their search for those still believed to be trapped.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the site and stated that all agencies were working together to carry out the rescue mission. According to him, 21 people had been rescued, while around 12 to 15 workers were still feared trapped inside.
Officials are still trying to determine how many labourers were present when the structure collapsed, although initial estimates suggest that between 40 and 50 workers were on site at the time.
The collapse occurred while construction activities were underway, causing massive iron beams and concrete slabs to crash down and bury workers under the rubble.
Army and NDRF Intensify Rescue Efforts
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the collapse and launched an extensive rescue operation. Four Army columns were deployed following requests from state authorities, while NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire department personnel continued efforts to reach those trapped.
Rescuers have been using gas cutters to remove twisted steel sections and reinforced concrete. Vertical drilling operations are also being conducted to create access points to areas where survivors may still be trapped.
To aid the search, NDRF teams have deployed sniffer dogs and drones to detect signs of life beneath the debris. Rescue personnel are working under extremely challenging conditions, carefully clearing rubble to avoid causing further structural collapses.
Voices from Beneath the Debris
Rescue workers reported hearing trapped labourers calling for help from under the collapsed structure. Members of the disaster management team said they were following these voices while assuring those trapped that help was on the way.
These sounds have become a vital guide for rescuers as they work through layers of fallen concrete and steel in an effort to locate survivors.
Eyewitnesses Recall the Collapse
According to eyewitnesses, construction work was progressing normally when the structure suddenly gave way. Work was reportedly taking place on the ground floor, while the reinforced concrete framework of the upper floors had already been completed.
A fire department official stated that the collapse occurred during concrete casting work. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of poor-quality construction materials and indicated that the issue would be examined during the investigation.
Workers Escape Moments Before Disaster
In a remarkable escape, three workers survived after stepping outside the site shortly before the collapse. They said they had gone out to wash themselves when the warehouse suddenly came crashing down behind them.
The workers described themselves as fortunate to have survived and said there had been no warning before the structure gave way. They recalled scenes of panic as trapped workers cried out for help and survivors rushed to alert residents and emergency responders.
One of the survivors revealed that a relative was among those trapped beneath the debris and expressed hope for his safe rescue.
Meanwhile, the state government established a control room at Nabanna to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Investigation into Safety Standards
The warehouse had reportedly been under construction for six to seven months. The property belongs to Sambhu Behera of Behera Brothers Construction, while the project was being developed by Ajgar Khan, a prominent local figure.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into whether construction and safety regulations were followed. The inquiry is likely to examine building approvals, structural standards, and the quality of materials used in the project.
Chief Minister Orders Construction Halt and Audit
After visiting the site, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said rescue efforts were being carried out on a war footing and confirmed that 21 people had been rescued while 12 to 15 workers were still believed to be trapped.
He also stated that preliminary information from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation suggested possible flaws in the building plan approved for the project. According to him, engineers had indicated that the sanctioned plan contained deficiencies.
The Chief Minister said the government would decide on further action after reviewing detailed reports and would make an announcement in the Assembly the following day.
Suspension of Construction Activities
In response to the tragedy, the state government ordered an immediate halt to work at all under-construction buildings under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction.
A comprehensive audit of ongoing construction projects, particularly commercial developments, has been announced. Construction activities will remain suspended until the review is completed, and only projects that receive clearance will be allowed to resume work from August 1.
Signs of Life Raise Hope
The Chief Minister said rescuers had received encouraging indications from beneath the debris. Army and NDRF officials reportedly informed her that contact had been established with some trapped workers.
According to her, food and water had been supplied to survivors through specially created channels while rescue teams continued drilling and creating safe access routes.
Victims Yet to Be Fully Identified
Authorities confirmed that three people had lost their lives in the collapse. Two of the deceased have been identified as Rohit Chowdhary and Krishna Chowdhary, while the identity of the third victim has not yet been established.
Officials said efforts to identify all affected workers are ongoing, noting that several labourers are believed to be migrant workers from different states.
As darkness descended on the disaster site, rescue personnel continued their search through the wreckage of steel and concrete, driven by hopes of reaching more survivors and bringing them to safety.
