A frantic and large-scale rescue operation continues in Taratala, Kolkata, following the collapse of an under-construction warehouse shed that has so far claimed 17 lives. The multi-agency effort, involving Army personnel, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Management teams, Kolkata Police, and the Fire Brigade, has been underway on a war footing since the incident.
As of the latest reports, 31 individuals have been pulled out from beneath the debris, of whom 17 have succumbed to their injuries. The rescue mission entered its fourth day on Saturday, with teams working relentlessly to determine if more people remain trapped under the rubble. Advanced equipment is being deployed by the Army to aid in locating any survivors.
All rescued individuals were rushed to SSKM Hospital for immediate medical attention. Earlier, five people had been rescued on Thursday morning, but concerns persist that several others may still be buried beneath the collapsed structure.
Meanwhile, the incident has led to multiple arrests. Asgar Hussain, the contractor responsible for the warehouse construction, had gone missing after the collapse but was later found dead under the debris on Thursday. Shambhunath Behera, who had leased the land from the Kolkata Port Trust for the project, has been arrested by police. Four others have also been taken into custody in connection with the case.
Among the victims, several tragic personal stories have emerged. Sahil Sardar, a 17-year-old boy, had come to Kolkata from Kakdwip for the first time to visit his cousin, who worked at the site. In a cruel twist of fate, Sahil, who was not employed at the warehouse, lost his life in the collapse, turning what was meant to be a joyful visit into an unimaginable tragedy.
Another victim, Rohit Chowdhury, a 20-year-old from Gazipur in Katwa, had joined the construction company just a month and a half ago. Having left home in search of a livelihood, Rohit’s life was cut short in the accident. His death has left his family devastated, with grief engulfing his hometown as the news reached Chowdhurypara.
Authorities have assured that the rescue operation will continue until every possibility of survival is ruled out. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, with questions being raised about construction standards and safety compliance at the site.
Also read: Kolkata warehouse collapse: Four killed, several trapped
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