Kolkata Horror: At Least 8 Dead, Several Trapped After Under-Construction Shed Collapses In Taratala

New Delhi: A heart-wrenching incident was reported from West Bengal's Kolkata on June 24 when an under-construction factory shed collapsed and triggered a massive rescue operation in the Taratala area.

Reportedly, eight people paid with their lives and several workers were also feared trapped beneath concrete slabs and heavy iron beams as rescue operations continue.

Where the Accident Took Place

The accident took place at an active construction site and according to eyewitnesses,  a large number of labourers were working at the site when the structure suddenly gave way.

Notably, panic ensued as labourers and nearby personnel scrambled to rescue those trapped in the debris as around 50 to 60 workers were reportedly present at the site at the time of the collapse.

Local residents also alerted authorities immediately upon hearing loud noises and witnessing dust and debris rising from the site. 

Fire services and disaster response teams were quickly deployed, and rescue operations are now underway on a war footing, with heavy machinery being utilized to clear the rubble and search for survivors.

Area Cordoned Off

Police have cordoned off the site to prevent overcrowding and ensure that rescue operations proceed smoothly. Senior civic and disaster management officials are actively monitoring the situation.

Preliminary reports indicate the shed was still under construction, though it remains unclear whether safety protocols were followed or if structural deficiencies caused the collapse. 

A comprehensive investigation will follow once rescue efforts are complete. The incident has reignited concerns regarding construction safety standards at industrial sites in Kolkata, particularly in densely populated areas where industrial activity often operates in close proximity to residential zones.

Further details are expected as the rescue mission continues, and authorities are anticipated to release an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse and the final impact on those affected in the coming hours.

In an effort to bolster rescue efforts, 100 NDRF troops have been mobilised and specialised teams have already been dispatched from both Newtown and Kalyani and are currently on their way to the site.

Chief Minister to Visit Soon

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to visit the collapse site at 4:30 PM to assess the situation and monitor the ongoing rescue operations firsthand. Commenting from the site, West Bengal Minister Dr. Indranil Khan emphasized that the immediate priority remains pulling out the trapped victims, but directly blamed the state's previous administration for the disaster. "Our priority is to rescue the people trapped inside," Dr. Khan said. "All the rescue teams are present at the spot. This is all illegal which was constructed when the TMC was in power."

To expedite medical treatment, authorities have established a dedicated green corridor across the city. Ambulances are using the cleared routes to transport all injured workers directly to the SSKM Hospital Trauma Care Center.