In an untoward incident, part of overbridge in Majerhat area of South Kolkata has collapsed at 4 pm on Tuesday. The bridge, considered as the gateway to the city, is over the railway track and situated in Diamond Harbour area. One person has died and 6 people were injured. However, more casualties are suspected in the time to come. Since the bridge connects Joka to the City, it is considered as one of the busiest one. It is also suspected that many might be crushed inside the debris.
Union Home Minister sends four NDRF teams for rescue. He said, “The bridge (Majerhat) collapse incident in Kolkata is extremely tragic. Four NDRF teams have already reached the spot. One more team is on the way. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the collapse deeply unfortunate. Concerned about the incident, he took to Twitter and wrote: “The collapse of a part of a bridge in Kolkata is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest.”
Latest input says that Kolkata Commissioner of Police and Mayor have reached the spot and are overseeing the rescue operations. Nine injured taken to hospital. It is stated that the bridge is 40-years old and that is why the repair work was being carried out. Also, as there were people living beneath the bridge, more casualties are reported.
Responding quickly at the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We are very worried. We are receiving information from the rescue team on ground (majerhat bridge collapse in Kolkata). We want to go back as soon as possible. There are no flights in the evening, we are unable to do so.”
Speaking with the media, Mamata said, “Our team is focused on relief and rescue work. Our priority is relief and rescue. Rest of the investigation will be done later.” She further added, “Police is investigating the matter, a detailed investigation will be done, our main focus right now is rescue and relief operations.”
As per the initial information, a segment has completely fallen down. Bus, cars, houses and people are still trapped under debris. People nearby the vicinity have rushed to help the trapped ones. Ambulances have reached the spot and rescue operations are underway.
Briefing more on the rescue operations, TMC leader Derek O’Brien tweeted, ” Cranes already put into action. Fire fighters using ladders already being used. Disaster management teams at work.” He also tweeted that, “Watching scenes of Majerhat bridge #Kolkata collapse . Devastating. Rescue teams, disaster management teams, Police CP,fire fighters already reach spot. Locals join. Rescue operations on.Prayers for those affected. Difficult to gauge enormity of tragedy as yet looking at visuals.”
Opposition leader for BJP Mukul Roy blamed that state government is responsible for the bridge collapse. He said, “State government and Chief Minister is responsible for this bridge collapse. They are saying beautification of city is on, but repair work of old constructions is not on her mind. State govt should take complete responsibilty of this collapse.”