Kolkata warehouse roof collapse: 60 workers feared trapped, rescue operation underway

Around 50 to 60 workers were feared trapped after the roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Taratala area of South Kolkata on Wednesday. A major rescue operation was immediately launched, with multiple agencies working to evacuate those trapped under the debris.

Officials said around 13 workers have been rescued so far and the injured have been shifted to SSKM Hospital for treatment. The condition of five rescued workers is reported to be critical.

Teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire Brigade and Kolkata Police are carrying out rescue operations. Cranes and gas cutters are being used to remove the collapsed structure and clear the debris.

According to locals, the roof suddenly collapsed while several workers were engaged inside the warehouse. After receiving information, police, fire brigade personnel and NDRF teams reached the spot and joined the rescue efforts.

Preliminary information suggested that an issue may have occurred during welding work inside the warehouse when around 50 to 60 workers were present. Some locals also suspected that heavy rainfall on Tuesday may have weakened the construction material, leading to the collapse.

Rescue teams are continuing efforts to remove the debris and reach workers who may still be trapped. Several ambulances have been deployed at the site to transport the injured to hospitals.

State officials, including Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, reached the spot and monitored the rescue operation. A control room has also been opened at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to coordinate the response.