Three Dead, 18 Rescued After Under-Construction Warehouse Collapses in Kolkata’s Taratala

Kolkata: At least three people were killed and 18 others rescued after a three-storey under-construction warehouse collapsed in the Taratala area of west Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a massive multi-agency rescue operation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who visited the site, said that 21 people had been pulled out from the debris so far, of whom three succumbed to their injuries.

“So far, 21 people have been rescued, three of whom have perished. The others have been admitted to SSKM Hospital, where every effort is being made to provide them with adequate medical care,” the Chief Minister said.

According to officials, around 18 more people are feared trapped beneath the rubble, and rescue teams continue to work around the clock to locate survivors.

The collapsed structure, located on Transport Depot Road near Brace Bridge in Taratala, was an under-construction warehouse built on a leasehold property under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.

Massive Rescue Effort Underway

A coordinated rescue operation involving the Indian Army Eastern Command, disaster response teams, police and civic authorities has been launched at the site.

Rescuers are using specialized equipment to remove massive concrete slabs and twisted iron beams that came crashing down when the structure collapsed around noon.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing cries for help from workers trapped beneath the debris shortly after the incident.

“Construction work was underway on the ground floor while the reinforced concrete structures of the first and second floors had already been completed. Suddenly, the entire building collapsed,” an eyewitness said.

Injured Under Treatment at SSKM Hospital

All 18 rescued workers have been admitted to the Trauma Care Centre of SSKM Hospital. Hospital authorities said three of the injured remain in critical condition.

A multidisciplinary medical team comprising neurologists, orthopaedic specialists and physicians has been constituted to treat the victims, many of whom suffered severe trauma and crush injuries.

Investigation Expected

Officials said the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into the structural failure, construction practices and safety compliance at the site.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns about construction safety standards and regulatory oversight at large infrastructure and industrial projects in urban areas.

Rescue operations were continuing at the time of reporting as teams searched for those still believed to be trapped under the rubble.