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Tragedy Strikes Kolkata as Illegal Building Collapse Claims Lives: Rescue Efforts Intensify

Shortly after a five-story building that was under construction collapsed in the densely populated Garden Reach area of Kolkata, tragically claiming the lives of at least nine individuals, rescue teams sprang into action.

Tragedy Strikes Kolkata as Illegal Building Collapse Claims Lives: Rescue Efforts Intensify

Shortly after a five-story building that was under construction collapsed in the densely populated Garden Reach area of Kolkata, tragically claiming the lives of at least nine individuals, rescue teams sprang into action. On Monday, these dedicated responders employed gas cutters to access any remaining individuals who might still be trapped beneath the debris.

In addition to using gas cutters, personnel from the disaster management group provided water and oxygen to those who were stuck under the fallen structure. The building had collapsed late on Sunday.

Among the deceased are Sana Begum, Hasina Khatun, Ramjan Ali, Nasimuddin, and Abdulla. Thankfully, the combined efforts of the Kolkata police and the disaster management groups led to the successful rescue of at least 13 people from the rubble in the Ajhar Molla Bagan area.

Vineet Goyal, the Commissioner of Kolkata Police, who has been overseeing the rescue efforts, stated, “We have been working since late last night. Those trapped inside will be rescued”

As the rescuers provided water and oxygen to those in need, the disaster management team skillfully navigated the debris using gas cutters to reach those still inside. The area now teems with a substantial presence of police personnel, fire services teams, disaster management groups, and ambulances.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, despite her recent head injury, personally visited the site. She asserted that the building was illegally constructed and urged authorities to take action against those responsible. Banerjee emphasized the importance of considering the well-being of the poor residents living near construction sites, urging builders to be mindful of their impact on the community. The mayor, Firhad Hakim, confirmed that the building lacked legal permission, prompting Banerjee to call for decisive action against the builder.

The administration stands in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones and those who are injured. I have instructed the administration to assess the damage to houses and initiate the necessary steps for reconstruction. Our priority remains the swift rescue of those who are still trapped.

Mayor Firhad Hakim, alongside Minister Sujit Bose, has been closely monitoring the rescue operations since Sunday night. He assures that those currently trapped will be rescued promptly. While we have already rescued thirteen individuals, there may be more bodies inside. We will provide Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those who were injured. The injured have been admitted to a local hospital.

The building in question was constructed illegally. I have directed the police to take appropriate action against the builders responsible.

According to residents, chunks of concrete began falling from the under-construction building after midnight. Eventually, the entire structure collapsed, impacting neighboring residences in the densely populated area. The building fell onto at least seven houses where residents were asleep.

This building had been under construction for the past six months. Residents also allege that it lacked proper permission from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the police.

In a post on X late Sunday, Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP MLA and leader of the Opposition, expressed concern about the collapse of a five-story building (constructed illegally) in Hazari Mollah Bagan, Garden Reach, Metiabruz, KMC Ward No. 134. He called upon @chief_west, Secretary @HomeBengal, and @CPKolkata to urgently involve the West Bengal State Disaster Management Team for immediate rescue and relief.

Indranil Khan, the president of the state BJP youth wing, expressed grave concern about the disastrous collapse of an unauthorized and illegal building in Azhar Molla Bagan, KMC Ward No. 134, Garden Reach area. This tragic incident resulted in the entrapment of several individuals, including children, beneath the debris. Khan attributed this catastrophe to the deeply entrenched corruption within Kolkata’s civic system, which operates in collusion with the TMC-backed syndicate mafia. Urgently, we call upon the state administration, the police, the fire brigade, and disaster management teams to swiftly rescue those trapped and provide optimal care for the injured.

Governor C. V. Ananda Bose personally visited the site to assess the situation during the rescue efforts. He also met with the families of the injured victims at a local hospital. Bose intends to appeal to the Chief Minister to establish a task force aimed at curbing rampant illegal constructions in the area.

He criticized the supervising authority for its failure to carry out proper duties. Bose emphasized that accidents are not always random; they can also result from human negligence. He firmly believes that the government has the power to halt such illegal construction if it chooses to do so.

Furthermore, Bose plans to convene a meeting with construction experts at Raj Bhavan. Representatives from various organizations, including IIT Kharagpur, HIDCO, the Central Building Research Institute, and experts from CREDAI, will be consulted. The recommendations arising from this meeting will be submitted to the government for necessary action.

In a compassionate gesture, Bose expressed gratitude that the Chief Minister visited the disaster site and assured financial aid. Additionally, he personally decided to extend financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of the deceased victims.