Tragedy Strikes in Kolkata: Warehouse Collapse Claims 15 Lives
Kolkata Warehouse Collapse Update
The tragic incident at the Taratala warehouse in south Kolkata has resulted in a rising death toll, now at 15, following the retrieval of two additional bodies by rescue teams, which include Army personnel. This unfortunate event unfolded two days ago when the warehouse roof collapsed.
Late Thursday night, two bodies were found, but their identities have not yet been confirmed. On Friday morning, two workers, Mannu Kumar and Sahil Sardar, passed away from their injuries at SSKM Hospital, bringing the total fatalities to 15.
Mannu Kumar, a 19-year-old from Munger district in Bihar, was rescued from the debris on June 24 and underwent surgery the previous night. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed early Friday. His brother, Ghi Kumar, also lost his life in the incident, while their father is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the collapse.
Currently, 18 individuals are hospitalized at SSKM Hospital, and there are concerns that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with a focus on locating any remaining survivors and providing medical care to the injured. Teams are working tirelessly despite the hazardous conditions within the collapsed structure.
The personnel involved are exercising extreme caution due to the instability of the damaged building. Coordination among various agencies is ongoing.
Multiple agencies, including Kolkata Police, the army, and the state disaster management team, have been engaged in round-the-clock efforts since Wednesday, cutting through iron beams and clearing heavy concrete debris.
Advanced technology, such as cameras, has been deployed to search beneath the rubble for trapped individuals, and mobile phone data is being utilized to locate those whose phones remain active.
The Indian Railways has joined the rescue efforts at the request of the National Disaster Response Force, assisting in the removal of twisted steel structures to aid in the search for those believed to be trapped.
Railway personnel equipped with oxy-cutting machines began their work after assessing the site on Thursday.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the roof of the warehouse on Transport Depot Road in Taratala fell, trapping numerous workers inside.