Kolkata Godown Shed Collapse: Death Toll Rises To 5, Over 20 Injured In Tragedy

The death toll in the under-construction godown shed collapse at Kolkata’s Taratala (Brace Bridge) area rose to five on Wednesday , while more than 20 people were injured , officials said. At least two injured persons are in critical condition in the ICCU , while others are stated to be stable.

The incident took place around 12:07 pm at a private godown under construction near Transport Depot Road , when a large section of the steel-and-concrete shed structure suddenly collapsed , trapping workers under heavy debris. Rescue operations began at around 12:45 pm .

A major multi-agency rescue operation involving the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Kolkata Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is currently underway. Officials said teams are using cranes, gas cutters, hydraulic equipment, and sniffer dogs to remove heavy debris and locate those still trapped.

Initial estimates suggested around 12–15 workers were trapped , though rescue inputs indicated that more than a dozen people have been rescued alive , with numbers varying as operations continue.

The injured have been admitted mainly to SSKM Hospital and other medical facilities. Among the injured are Rohit Chowdhari, Krishna Chowdhury, Sahid Kumar, Rajesh Ruidas, and others , while efforts are on to identify two deceased persons .

Preliminary information suggests that the structure was being built on land leased by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) to a private entity for industrial use. Authorities are now examining possible irregularities in the sanctioned construction plan , including potential violations of building safety norms and design approval conditions . A formal technical inquiry has been ordered .

West Bengal Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the incident “deeply unfortunate” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims . She said the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department has been directed to closely monitor the rescue operations.

Officials have also indicated that a state-level review of construction safety compliance may be undertaken following the tragedy.

Rescue operations are continuing round the clock, with authorities maintaining close coordination among all agencies as efforts continue to locate any remaining trapped workers.