By Admin 
Kolkata Godown Collapse: The shed of a warehouse under construction in Taratala area of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, collapsed like a house of cards. So far, 8 people have been confirmed dead in this tragic accident, while more than 31 people have been injured. All the injured have been admitted to SSKM Hospital. There is a possibility that some people may still be trapped under the debris. Relief and rescue operations are continuing.
How did the accident happen?
This accident happened at around 12:07 pm on Wednesday in an under-construction warehouse located near Brace Bridge area of Taratala. Suddenly a part of the concrete and iron roof collapsed and the workers working there were buried under the debris. According to eyewitnesses, the roof of the warehouse collapsed in three layers, due to which the workers working below were completely buried under the debris. There was chaos in the area after the incident.
Death toll increased to 8
Initially the deaths of three laborers were confirmed. After this, bodies were continuously taken out from the debris and the number of dead increased to 8. All the deceased were declared dead at SSKM Hospital. So far 31 people have been taken to the hospital in injured condition. The condition of many of them is said to be serious.
There was a possibility of 12 to 15 laborers being trapped.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that after the accident, 12 to 15 laborers were feared trapped under the debris. The army had also tried to establish contact with the stranded people. The Chief Minister said that till now 21 people had been pulled out from the debris, out of which 18 were found alive and 3 dead. Later the death toll increased to 8.
Army, NDRF and SDRF took charge
After the accident, teams of Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, Kolkata Police, Fire Department and Kolkata Municipal Corporation reached the spot. Sniffer dogs were also used to find people trapped in the debris. Relief and rescue operations were carried out for hours with the help of heavy cranes and modern equipment.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari first reached the spot and later went to SSKM Hospital to inquire about the well being of the injured. He said that this is a very unfortunate incident and the entire administration is engaged in rescue operations. He expressed his gratitude to the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police and Fire Department. The Chief Minister said that the Assembly session is going on, hence he will give detailed information regarding compensation in the Assembly with the permission of the Speaker.
Questions regarding the plan in preliminary investigation
The Chief Minister said that the plan of this project was approved on January 17, 2026. The ownership of the land is with SMPA and the land is on lease in the name of Shambhunath Behera and his associates. He said that according to initial information, there is a possibility of wrong plan being approved for the project.
Three arrested, SIT formed
Kolkata Police has taken suo motu cognizance and registered an FIR after the incident. Police have arrested site supervisor Syed Mohammad Gulzar and two labor suppliers Mohammad Ataul and Subhash Chaudhary. Apart from this, four other people have been detained for questioning. A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the case. The SIT will be headed by Assistant Police Commissioner Joysurya Mukherjee. The team includes Inspector Debashish Dutta, Inspector Hirak Dalapati, Inspector Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sub-Inspector Manas Bhattacharya and Sub-Inspector Kushal Mandal.
Helpline released for disaster management
The Disaster Management Control Room located in Nabanna has issued helpline numbers to help people. 1070, 8697981070, 033-22143526, 033-22535185.
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Prime Minister announced compensation
Expressing grief over the accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the families of the deceased. The injured will be given financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each. The Prime Minister’s Office said that the state government is continuously working to provide all possible assistance to the affected people.
Chief Minister expressed grief
Suvendu Adhikari said in a message released on social media that the incident of collapse of the warehouse under construction near Brace Bridge is very sad. Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, he said that the state government is standing with them in this hour of grief and all possible help will be provided. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.