Kolkata Warehouse Collapse Death Toll Rises to 16, Rescue Teams Continue Debris Search

The death toll in the Kolkata warehouse collapse incident increased to 16 on Saturday after one of the injured victims, identified as Khalek Sardar from Basanti , died during treatment at a hospital. Rescue teams continued their search operation for the fourth straight day, working through the debris to find anyone who may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

The warehouse, which was under construction, collapsed on Wednesday afternoon, leaving several workers trapped under the rubble. Emergency teams from various agencies have been deployed at the site, carrying out a cautious search operation amid concerns over the stability of the remaining structure.

Officials said 17 injured people are currently receiving medical treatment . Rescue personnel are using advanced methods, including cameras inserted beneath the debris, to scan inaccessible areas and detect any possible signs of life. Authorities are also analysing mobile phone tower data to track individuals whose phones appear to be active beneath the wreckage.

A senior government official said large-scale debris removal would begin only after rescue teams are certain that no survivors or bodies remain buried under the collapsed structure. Officials stressed that the operation is being carried out carefully to avoid further risks to rescue personnel and ensure that no victim is overlooked.

The Indian Railways has joined the rescue operation after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) sought assistance in cutting and removing heavily twisted steel structures that were obstructing access to parts of the debris.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse. The body of the principal contractor, who was among the five individuals named in the FIR registered in the case, was recovered from the site.

The investigation is expected to examine possible construction lapses, safety violations and other factors that may have contributed to the collapse. Rescue operations will continue until authorities confirm that the entire site has been thoroughly searched.