The collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata’s Taratala area has left five workers dead, exposing fresh concerns over construction safety in one of the city’s busiest industrial zones. Rescue teams continued searching through the debris on Wednesday, with officials saying some workers trapped beneath the collapsed structure were still in contact with rescuers.
Authorities have arrested two people, including the project’s structural engineer, as the investigation shifts from rescue to questions over accountability.
Rescue Operation Continues
The warehouse collapsed suddenly on Wednesday afternoon on Transport Depot Road while construction work was underway.
Initial information indicated that around 50 to 60 workers were present at the site when the structure gave way. Many were pulled out alive, while those injured were taken to SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
Rescue officials said contact had been established with some workers still trapped beneath the rubble. Oxygen, drinking water and essential food supplies were being provided as teams worked to reach them safely through heavy concrete and twisted steel.
Multiple agencies remain involved in the operation, including the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Kolkata Police, the fire service and civil defence personnel.
Criminal Case Registered
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Structural engineer Kamal Samanta and Syed MD Gulzar have been arrested following the preliminary investigation. Police said further inquiries are underway against other individuals who may have been responsible for the project.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the Detective Department of Kolkata Police, has been formed to examine the construction process, compliance with safety standards and any possible negligence that may have contributed to the collapse.
Construction Activity Temporarily Halted
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the site after the incident and reviewed the rescue operation.
He said the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) would prepare a detailed report on the collapse, and the findings would also be presented before the state assembly.
The state government has announced a temporary suspension of all construction work within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.
- Construction activity will remain suspended until July 31.
- Every construction site within the KMC jurisdiction will undergo a safety audit.
- Work will be allowed to resume only after safety inspections are completed.
Beyond the immediate rescue effort, the collapse has placed renewed attention on how construction safety standards are monitored and enforced at large urban building sites. Police said the investigation into the exact cause of the collapse is continuing.
