Warehouse Collapse In Kolkata’s Taratala Traps Workers; Rescue Operations Underway

Kolkata , 24 June : At least 50 to 60 workers were feared trapped on Wednesday after the roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in the Taratala area of South Kolkata.

Authorities immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation as emergency teams rushed to the site.

Officials confirmed that rescuers pulled out around 13 workers from the debris and shifted them to SSKM Hospital for treatment.

Doctors reported that five of the rescued workers remain in critical condition.

The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire Brigade and Kolkata Police joined forces to accelerate rescue efforts.

Teams deployed cranes and gas cutters to remove twisted metal structures and sections of the collapsed roof.

According to residents, the roof suddenly gave way during the afternoon while dozens of labourers were working inside the warehouse. Residents began rescue efforts before emergency personnel arrived.

Preliminary information suggests that a technical issue may have occurred during welding work inside the structure.

At the time of the incident, around 50 to 60 workers were reportedly present at the site.

Some residents also suspected that heavy rainfall on Tuesday may have weakened portions of the construction material, contributing to the collapse.

Rescue personnel continued cutting iron beams and clearing debris to reach those trapped underneath.

Witnesses claimed they could hear cries for help from workers buried beneath the rubble.

State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul reached the site and monitored operations.

State Minister Indranil Khan also arrived and stated that rescuing workers remained the immediate priority.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner Smita Pandey and BJP leader Rakesh Singh were also present.

Authorities opened a control room at Nabanna, while multiple ambulances remained stationed at the scene to transport the injured.