Kolkata warehouse collapse kills three; rescue teams race to save workers trapped under debris

Kolkata warehouse collapse: At least three workers were killed and several others remained trapped after an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata's Taratala area on Wednesday, prompting a massive rescue operation involving the Army, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and fire services.

The three-storey structure came crashing down while construction work was underway, sending huge concrete slabs and iron beams onto workers inside the building. As per information, 21 persons had been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, while rescue teams continued efforts to reach those still trapped beneath the debris.

Officials believe around 12 to 15 workers may still be inside the collapsed structure, though the exact number remains unclear. Initial estimates suggest that between 40 and 50 labourers were present at the site when the accident occurred.

Rescue operations continued through the day under challenging conditions. Teams used gas cutters to remove twisted steel and reinforced concrete, while vertical drilling was carried out to create access routes to possible survival pockets beneath the rubble.

The NDRF also deployed sniffer dogs and drones to assist in locating survivors. Rescue personnel said voices and cries for help could still be heard from beneath the debris, offering hope that more workers may be rescued alive.

"We are following the sounds coming from inside and reassuring those trapped that help is on the way," a member of the disaster response team said.

Witnesses described scenes of panic moments before and after the collapse. According to people present at the site, construction activity was in progress when the entire structure suddenly gave way without warning.

A fire department official said concrete casting work was underway at the time of the accident. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of construction-related lapses and a detailed investigation is expected to examine whether safety standards and building regulations were properly followed.

Amid the tragedy, three workers narrowly escaped after stepping outside the building shortly before the collapse. The workers said they had gone out to wash up when the structure came down behind them.

The survivors recalled hearing loud crashing sounds before seeing the building reduced to rubble. One of them said a relative remained trapped inside, adding that the family was praying for his safe rescue.

State authorities have set up a control room to coordinate rescue efforts and monitor developments. Emergency teams remained at the site through the evening, carefully clearing debris while attempting to avoid further structural movement.

The collapse has also raised serious questions about construction safety and oversight. The warehouse had reportedly been under construction for several months. Officials are expected to investigate the project's approvals, structural design and the quality of materials used.

Authorities confirmed that two of the deceased workers have been identified as Rohit Chowdhary and Krishna Chowdhary, while the identity of the third victim is yet to be established.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered an immediate review of ongoing construction projects. Work at under-construction buildings under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has been suspended pending a broader safety audit.

Officials said commercial projects would undergo detailed inspections before construction activity is allowed to resume.