kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, June 25: The death toll in the tragic warehouse collapse at Taratala in Kolkata has risen to five, while rescue operations continue relentlessly amid fears that more workers may still be trapped beneath the debris. Authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the disaster, and police have also initiated a suo motu case to investigate the circumstances that led to the collapse.

The devastating incident occurred at around 12:07 p.m. on Wednesday when the roof of an under-construction warehouse suddenly gave way and came crashing down. Within moments, massive iron structures, steel beams, and concrete slabs collapsed onto workers engaged at the site. At least 40 labourers were reportedly trapped under the rubble, triggering a large-scale emergency response.

The accident, personnel from Kolkata Police, the Fire and Emergency Services Department, and the State Disaster Response Force rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. As the scale of the disaster became apparent, the state government sought additional assistance. Subsequently, teams from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the operation, bringing specialized equipment and expertise to aid in the search and rescue mission.

Several heavy-duty cranes were deployed at the site to clear the massive piles of twisted metal and concrete. Hydraulic cranes and cutting equipment have been working continuously in a race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Rescue personnel have been carrying out the operation under extremely challenging conditions, carefully removing debris to avoid causing further damage or injury to those who may still be alive underneath.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns regarding construction safety standards and the structural integrity of the building. Investigators are examining whether there were flaws in the design, construction process, or quality of materials used in the project. Authorities are also expected to question contractors, engineers, and other individuals associated with the construction work.

The gravity of the incident, the state administration has formed a Special Investigation Team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the collapse and determine accountability. Police officials have confirmed that a suo motu case has been registered and that all possible angles are being examined.

Anxious family members of the trapped workers have gathered near the accident site and nearby hospitals, desperately awaiting news about their loved ones. Medical teams and ambulances remain stationed at the location to provide immediate treatment to those rescued from the debris.

The rescue operation, which entered its second day on Thursday, remains underway with authorities determined to ensure that every trapped worker is accounted for. Officials have assured that the operation will continue until all sections of the collapsed structure have been thoroughly searched.

Kolkata grapples with one of its most serious industrial accidents in recent years, questions surrounding construction oversight and workplace safety are likely to dominate the investigation in the days ahead. Authorities have pledged strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence that may have contributed to the deadly collapse.