Kolkata Shed Collapse: In a tragic incident, at least three labourers were killed while 60 others are feared trapped after a shed of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata's Taratalla region on Wednesday. The eyewitnesses, while providing details, stated that they were working there at the time of the collapse. They further stated that the workers got little time to react, and they got trapped under a massive pile of debris. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhilkari has also reached the collapse site.

Three Arrested

Police arrested three accused linked to the under-construction godown. Saiyad Md Gulzar (Building Supervisor), ⁠Md. Ataul (Labour Supplier) and ⁠Subhash Chowdhury (Labour Supplier) were arrested after the incident

'Several Workers Rescued'

Along with the local police, the army personnel have also been deployed at the site in large numbers to escalate the rescue operation. As per the locals, construction work was underway in the warehouse when the entire structure suddenly collapsed, leading to panic among them. The police, fire departments, and disaster management teams arrived at the site upon receiving the information and began the rescue operation with the help of the locals.

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They further stated that at least seven workers have been rescued and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. They further stated that some of the labourers remain in critical condition, adding that gas cutters are being used to cut the heavy iron beams, and cranes are being used to remove the debris.

Govt Issues Helpline Numbers 

The state government has also opened a control room in Navanna to monitor the situation. Apart from this, the authority has also released helpline numbers 1070, 8697981070, and 033-22143526/22535185. While addressing the situation, State Minister Indranil Khan and BJP leader Rakesh Singh stated that the priority is to rescue the stranded labourers.

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"We will definitely look into the causes of the accident and whether there were any irregularities. But right now, the priority is to rescue as many victims as possible," Minister Indranil Khan was quoted as saying by India Today.

As per the reports, the under-construction structure was weakened by Tuesday's heavy rains. However, the incident has raised serious questions about the safety arrangements at the site.

(Updates to follow)