National Desk, 18th March: A devastating incident unfolded in the Garden Reach area of Kolkata as a five-storey under-construction building collapsed, claiming the lives of at least two individuals while leaving 13 others trapped under the debris. The collapse, occurring around midnight on March 17, triggered a frantic rescue operation to save those trapped within the rubble.
Among the victims were two elderly women, identified as local resident Hasina Bibi, who were rushed to a hospital but tragically declared dead upon arrival. The rescue efforts, involving a multi-agency response, are ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to locate and extricate any survivors.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the collapse site, expressed dismay over the incident, stating that official permission for the construction of the building had not been granted by the state administration. She assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, promising strict action against those responsible for the illegal construction.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Banerjee pledged government assistance to the families of the deceased and injured, as well as to those affected by the collateral damage caused to nearby residences. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, visiting the accident site, announced financial aid of Rs 1 lakh for the next of kin of the victims and a similar amount for each injured individual, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy.
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