Kolkata Warehouse Collapse: Five Dead, Over 20 Rescued as Massive Search Operation Continues

As of June 26, the toll has risen to 15 deaths, with rescue operations still underway after an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata's Taratala area on Wednesday afternoon. A massive rescue operation involving the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF and Kolkata Police is currently underway at the site.

According to officials, there were many workers present at the site when the building collapsed. More than 20 workers have been successfully rescued while several others are still feared trapped beneath the debris.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the accident site, along with several Cabinet ministers, and reviewed the ongoing rescue operations. Addressing journalists, he said that all departments are functioning in coordination.

Army and Rescue Agencies Intensify Search Efforts

The rescue operation continued late into the evening, with personnel using cranes, gas cutters and heavy machinery to remove debris. Four columns of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army were deployed following a distress call from the civil administration. Specialist engineers, medical teams and rescue personnel joined forces with NDRF, SDRF and Kolkata Police to search for survivors.

Officials said the collapsed structure was a private warehouse being constructed on land leased by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority. The project reportedly involved the development of a multi-storied warehouse and cold storage facility.

Preliminary findings have raised serious questions about the construction plan. After reviewing initial reports submitted by engineers, Chief Minister Adhikari said the sanctioned building design appeared to be faulty.

Government Orders Audit

Following the incident, the state government has decided to halt work on all commercial construction projects that were approved by the previous government until July 31. In addition to this, an audit of these projects has also been ordered.

While the rescue efforts are underway, families of the workers are anxiously awaiting updates from the site. The exact cause of the collapse will be determined after a detailed investigation.