Five killed, several injured as under-construction building collapses in Kolkata’s Garden Reach area, rescue operations on

Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim apprehended that some more people might still be trapped under the debris.

Five persons, including two women, were killed and several others were injured after a five-storey under-construction building collapsed in Kolkata’s Garden Reach area late on March 17 night.

The incident occurred about 11.49 p.m. in the night and the under-construction building came crashing down on nearby shanties. Those who died in the collapse were residents of the shanties on which the building came crashing down.

Two women — Hasina Khatoon (55), Shyama Begum (44) were reported dead on March 17 night while three others succumbed to their injuries on March 18 morning at State run SSKM Hospital were identified as Akbar Ali (34), Riwjan Alam (22), and Mohammad Wasim (19).

As many as 15 people were rescued after overnight operations, and 10 of them were admitted to a health facility in Garden Reach area and five at State-run SSKM Hospital. After the overnight rescue efforts, there were reports of few people buried in the rubble and rescue workers were trying to reach to them.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the venue and took stock of rescue efforts. She also met the injured at a nearby health facility. Speaking to journalists, she raised concerns about whether permission was taken for such construction. She added that those constructing high-rises should be mindful that nearby shanties and huts. “I asked the Mayor whether permission was taken for the building. He said no,” Ms. Banerjee said.

“We shall provide compensation for the next of kin of the deceased and for the injured persons. We stand by the distressed families and rescue operations shall continue,” the Chief Minister posted on social media. The State Government announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the deceased and ₹1 lakh to the injured.

After the collapse, locals alleged that the building was constructed illegally and after filling up a waterbody. Questions were also raised as to how a five-storeyed building could be constructed in an area where the approach road was only three feet wide.