Kolkata:
Three people were killed after the roof of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata’s Taratala area collapsed on Wednesday, trapping at least 40 people under the debris.
Several workers were engaged in construction work at the warehouse when the roof of the three-floor building collapsed. Locals began the rescue operations immediately, while the police, fire services, and rescue teams arrived at the spot soon after being informed.
Six to seven people have been rescued so far as the operation continues. The rescued victims could be seen being brought out in stretchers covered in mud. The three victims were declared dead at the hospital.
The fire department confirmed that they received the first call regarding the incident at 12.20 pm.
“We are following the cries for help coming from under the debris. At the same time, we are assuring the trapped people that they will be rescued soon,” a member of the Kolkata Police disaster management group told news agency PTI.
There are allegations regarding the construction of the building and that tin sheets were used under the cement construction of the rooftop.
“We will definitely look into the causes of the accident and whether there were any irregularities. But right now, the priority is to rescue as many victims as possible,” West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan told PTI.
