Six Dead, Over 40 Feared Trapped After Under-Construction Warehouse Collapses in Kolkata

: A major tragedy struck the Taratala area of Kolkata on Wednesday after an under-construction three-storey warehouse building collapsed, leaving at least six workers dead and more than 40 people feared trapped under the debris.

A massive rescue operation has been launched involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire department personnel, and Army teams. So far, 21 workers have been rescued, many of whom are reportedly in critical condition. All injured workers have been shifted to hospitals for treatment.

The collapse occurred while construction work was underway on the first-floor roof of the building. According to initial reports, a large iron railing suddenly gave way, triggering the collapse of heavy iron beams and concrete slabs. Several workers were trapped beneath the debris.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of workers present at the site when the accident took place. Rescue teams are continuing their search, and officials have warned that the death toll may rise as operations progress.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) had submitted a preliminary report regarding the incident. According to the report, permission for the warehouse construction had been granted earlier this year.

However, KMC engineers have reportedly raised concerns about structural issues in the design of the under-construction warehouse. The state government has assured that strict action will be taken after receiving the detailed investigation report.

Rescue personnel are working through the collapsed structure to locate survivors and remove trapped workers. The incident has raised fresh concerns over construction safety standards and monitoring of building projects in the city.