Kolkata mishap: At least 22 killed after flyover collapses

Updated: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 23:46 [IST]

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.

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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."

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."

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.

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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.

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.

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."

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