Kolkata, 24 June (H.S.) : The roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata’s Taratala area on Wednesday afternoon, leaving several workers feared trapped under debris. Around 50 to 60 labourers were reportedly working at the site when the incident occurred.

So far, six to seven workers have been rescued, while a major rescue operation is continuing. Police, fire services personnel, disaster response teams and Indian Army personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the collapse.

Rescue teams are using gas cutters to cut through iron beams and reach workers trapped beneath the rubble. A crane has also been deployed to remove heavy concrete and metal debris from the site.

According to local residents, concrete casting work was underway when a portion of the under-construction warehouse suddenly came crashing down. Some people at the site claimed that voices of workers trapped beneath the debris could still be heard.

Local residents initially began rescue efforts before official teams arrived. Several ambulances have been stationed at the site, and rescued workers are being shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. The condition of some of the injured workers is said to be critical.

No official confirmation of any death has been issued so far. However, with several workers feared trapped under the rubble, concerns remain over possible casualties.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rakesh Singh also reached the site after receiving information about the incident. An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the collapse and whether adequate safety measures were in place for workers during the construction work.

There is also speculation at the local level that heavy rainfall on Tuesday may have weakened the under-construction structure.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh