kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata | June 24, 2026 : Kolkata’s Taratala area on Wednesday afternoon when the roof of an under-construction warehouse suddenly collapsed, trapping several workers beneath the debris and triggering a large-scale rescue operation. The incident took place near the Base Bridge Transport Depot and has led to fears that a significant number of laborers may still be trapped under the collapsed structure.

Large number of workers were engaged in construction work at the warehouse when the accident occurred. The structure reportedly gave way during a concrete casting operation, causing a massive section of the iron roof and supporting framework to collapse without warning.

The collapse created scenes of panic as workers and local residents rushed to the site in an attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and teams from the fire brigade, disaster management authorities, police, and other rescue agencies quickly arrived at the location.

Rescue personnel have launched an intensive operation to search for survivors buried under the debris. Officials confirmed that at least seven workers had been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. However, the rescue effort remains ongoing as concerns persist that many more people may still be trapped.

Local residents claimed that as many as 50 to 60 workers could have been present at the construction site when the structure collapsed. While officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of people trapped, rescuers reported hearing faint sounds and cries emerging from within the wreckage, raising hopes that additional survivors may still be located.

Family members and colleagues of the workers gathered around the disaster site, anxiously searching for information about their loved ones. Emotional scenes unfolded as people shouted names and attempted to establish contact with those feared trapped beneath the collapsed warehouse.

The cause of the accident is yet to be officially determined, but preliminary allegations suggest that the collapse may have occurred during the roof casting process. Questions have also been raised regarding the quality of materials used in the construction of the warehouse shed.

BJP leader Rakesh Singh visited the area and alleged that multiple fatalities may have occurred in the accident. He demanded a thorough investigation and called for strict punishment against those responsible if negligence is found. Singh also alleged that substandard construction materials may have been used in the project, contributing to the structural failure.

State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Indranil Khan also reached the accident site to monitor the situation. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that rescuing every trapped worker remains the government's immediate priority.

“Our first priority is to ensure that all those trapped are rescued safely. Rescue teams are working continuously, and every possible resource is being deployed,” the minister said.

The accident occurred suddenly during the afternoon, catching workers by surprise and leaving little time for evacuation. Local residents were among the first to begin rescue efforts before professional emergency teams arrived.

Police have cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue operations and prevent further risks. Specialized equipment is being used to carefully remove debris while ensuring that survivors trapped underneath are not endangered during the operation.

The emergency, the West Bengal government has opened a control room at Nabanna to coordinate rescue efforts and provide assistance to affected families. Senior administrative officials are closely monitoring developments, and authorities have assured that all necessary support is being extended.

Rescue operations continue into the evening, the full extent of the tragedy remains unclear. Officials are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the collapse once the immediate rescue mission is completed. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and ensuring that every person trapped beneath the rubble is brought to safety as quickly as possible.