Kolkata [India], June 25: The roof collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata claims five lives and around 20 others are injured.
The incident took place in Taratala area yesterday when the roof of the under-construction structure suddenly gave way, raising concerns over construction safety standards.
Soon after the incident, the local authorities carried a massive rescue operation.
Rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, Fire Services, Civil Defence and local authorities were immediately deployed to the site.
Rescuers continued search operations through the night amid fears that more people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Authorities said five deaths have been confirmed so far, while about 20 injured workers are receiving treatment at the state-run SSKM Hospital.
In response to the tragedy, the West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of the collapse and identify those responsible. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Speaking to the media, the authorities of local response team said the preliminary findings suggest that the building did not have the necessary approvals.
The Shubhendu Adhikari led West Bengal government has ordered a detailed audit of the buildings and construction projects across West Bengal.
As a precautionary measure, all under-construction commercial projects in West Bengal will remain suspended until August 1 pending safety inspections. The audit will be conducted jointly by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Civil Defence, Fire Services, Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).
In a post on X, CM Shubhendu Adhikari said, "I have instructed the UDMA Department to closely coordinate the entire operation. MoS Dr. Indranil Khan is already present at the site and is personally supervising the ongoing rescue efforts. I am personally reaching the spot right now to take stock of the situation on the ground. Please keep the affected families and the rescue workers in your prayers."
The state government has directed the Chief Secretary to oversee the inspection drive and submit a detailed report on construction safety compliance.
The collapse has once again spotlighted concerns over building safety regulations and enforcement in rapidly expanding urban construction zones.
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