The death toll in the collapse of an under-construction warehouse shed in Kolkata’s Taratala area climbed to eight on Thursday, as rescue teams continued combing through the debris and police arrested five people in connection with the incident.
Personnel from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies remained at the site, where authorities fear more people could still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Kolkata Police said 20 people were injured in the accident.
Five arrested in connection with collapse
Kolkata Police have arrested five persons as the investigation into the incident gathered pace.
Those arrested are Gulzar Hussain, supervisor of Ayan Traders; Kamal Samanto, the iron structure fabricator; Sambhunath Behera, lessee of the land; Dibakar Bhandari, labour supplier-cum-Trimex contractor; and Abdul Hamid, who allegedly acted as a broker for obtaining the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s sanction plan.
The latest arrests come as investigators probe the circumstances under which the under-construction warehouse collapsed.
Chief Minister to address Assembly
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is expected to make a detailed statement on the incident in the West Bengal Assembly later on Thursday.
The incident has triggered questions over the approvals granted for the construction and whether safety norms were followed during the project.
Eight dead, 20 injured
According to official records, eight people lost their lives in the collapse, while 20 others were admitted to SSKM Hospital with injuries. The deceased include workers from West Bengal and Bihar. Several of the injured continue to receive treatment at the hospital.
Rescue and search operations remained underway throughout Thursday, with heavy equipment deployed to clear debris and ensure no one remained trapped beneath the collapsed shed.
BJP seeks strict action
Reacting to the incident, BJP MP Rahul Sinha said those responsible would face action.
“Those responsible for this incident will not be spared under any circumstances. In the current situation, the government is doing everything it can to provide relief to as many people as possible. Strict action will definitely be taken against those responsible for this incident,” he said.