Kolkata mishap: At least 22 killed after flyover collapses

Kolkata, March 31: An under-construction flyover collapsed in Kolkata near Ganesh Talkies on Thursday killing at least 22 people and injuring over 100.

Several people were feared to be trapped under the debris. Major rescue operations are underway to rescue those who are trapped. According to reports, a mini bus with passengers is said to be trapped.

Here are the updates:

4:09 pm: PM Narendra Modi, who is in US, tweeted, "Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations."

Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016

My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016

3:51 pm: Bihar Chief MInister Nitish Kumar tweets, "Saddened to hear of Kolkata flyover collapse.Prayers with victims & their families.Hope rescue ops soon reach out to those trapped & injured."

Saddened to hear of Kolkata flyover collapse.Prayers with victims & their families.Hope rescue ops soon reach out to those trapped & injured

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) March 31, 2016

Two army columns and three medical teams have been sent to support and carry rescue operations at the flyover collapse site here, an army spokesperson said on Thursday.

The rescue operations may go on through the night, the spokesperson said.

Soon after the mishap, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the site of the accident, to assess the situation.

She announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead and Rs 2 lakh each for those critically injured as well as Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries.

Meanwhile, expressing grief over those killed and injured in the flyover collapse in Kolkata, the BJP targeted the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, saying that the incident was a clear proof of corrupt practices in the state.

Eyewitness say that they suspect atleast 150 people including construction workers to be trapped under the debris. Following the tragic incident, Chief minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled her rally which was scheduled for today.

People stuck under the debris being rescued after under-construction bridge collapses in Kolkata,10 persons dead pic.twitter.com/CAwxbBCv7Z

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016

WATCH: Desperate attempts being made to lift up fallen under-construction bridge to rescue trapped people in Kolkatahttps://t.co/qyt7XktjuX

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016

Two units of NDRF rushed to Ganesh Talkies area of North Kolkata to assist in rescue work after the bridge collapsed. Meanwhile, TMC leader Derek O'Brien confirmed that Banerjee was on her way to the city.

Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on.Many feared dead. Chief Sec/Home Sec at site. CM headed back to Kol immediately.This is the update I have

— Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) March 31, 2016

Several vehicles including taxis were seen under the debris. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said: "Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of the situation at the accident site in Kolkata. NDRF teams have been rushed to the spot for rescue ops."

#Visuals Taxis buried under the debris of the collapsed bridge near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/rFfDXhecDp

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016

Reports suggest that the flyover construction had commenced since 2009 and had missed several deadlines.

OneIndia News