A major tragedy unfolded in Kolkata’s Taratala area on Wednesday when the roof and steel framework of an under-construction multi-storey godown collapsed near Brace Bridge, trapping dozens of workers under heavy iron beams and debris.
Officials said the incident took place around 1 pm during construction work on a large warehouse complex. At the time of the collapse, around 50 to 60 workers were reportedly present inside the structure.
By evening, at least five deaths had been confirmed, while several workers were still feared trapped as rescue operations continued.
Massive rescue operation launched
Teams from the Fire and Emergency Services, Kolkata Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Army rushed to the site immediately after the collapse.
Heavy machinery including cranes, earthmovers, gas cutters, hydraulic equipment, and chain saws were used to remove twisted metal and debris. Drones were also deployed to locate trapped workers inside the wreckage.
Officials said the rescue effort was being carried out on a war footing due to the scale of the collapse and the number of people trapped.
Dozens rescued, many injured
By late afternoon, rescue teams had pulled out at least 12 workers and shifted them to SSKM Hospital for treatment. Several of them were reported to be in critical condition.
Later updates confirmed that at least 21 workers had been rescued in total, with 18 survivors receiving medical care at different hospitals across the city.
Search operations continued into the evening to locate those still trapped.
Eyewitness accounts of chaos and panic
Witnesses described moments of confusion just before the structure gave way.
One eyewitness said that slight movement was noticed in the steel framework before the collapse. He said the structure, which was under multi-floor construction, suddenly “settled and came crashing down.”
Another local resident described hearing cries for help from beneath the debris, with workers trapped under iron beams calling out for rescue. Emergency teams reportedly provided oxygen and drinking water to those still stuck while cutting through the rubble.
Administrative response and Chief Minister’s briefing
Mamata Banerjee visited the site and later briefed the media, confirming that rescue operations were ongoing and that several workers were still trapped.
She said, “The rescue operation is continuing. We must allow a few more hours for teams to complete their work.”
The Chief Minister thanked emergency agencies, including the NDRF, Kolkata Police, Fire Services, and Civil Defence, stating that their swift response helped prevent a higher death toll.
She also confirmed that nearly 20 ambulances were deployed and that green corridors were created to transport injured workers quickly to hospitals.
Possible structural failure under investigation
Preliminary observations by engineers from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation suggest that there may have been deficiencies in the structural design of the building.
Officials said the building plan had been approved on January 17, 2026, and that technical experts are now examining whether construction followed approved safety norms.
The contractor linked to the project has been identified, and authorities said a detailed inquiry will determine whether negligence or violations contributed to the collapse.
